JD Souther, the singer-songwriter who arrived in Los Angeles from Texas in the late 1960s, became a significant part of the California music revolution. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for being a principal architect of the Southern California sound and influencing a generation of songwriters. While his solo career did not see commercial success, he gained acclaim for his songwriting work, especially with the Eagles. Souther co-wrote hits like “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight.”
He also collaborated with artists like Linda Ronstadt and Don Henley, contributing hits like “Faithless Love” and “The Heart of the Matter.” Souther was in a band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay called Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, which saw some success in the 1970s. Beyond music, Souther had a secondary career as an actor, appearing in TV shows like Thirtysomething and Nashville, as well as movies like Postcards from the Edge.
Despite his success, Souther preferred a relatively quiet life, balancing his music career with a desire for anonymity. He released his final album, Tenderness, in 2015. Born in Detroit, Souther’s exposure to music began at a young age through his father’s music store in Texas. He started his musical journey playing various instruments and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion.
An influential figure in the music industry, Souther leaves behind a legacy of timeless songs and a significant impact on the California music scene. He is survived by his sisters and stepdaughter, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists.
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