Singer-songwriter JD Souther, who wrote hits for the Eagles, has died at his home in New Mexico. The 78-year-old, who also had an unexpected career as a Hollywood actor, co-wrote some of the American band’s biggest hits, including New Kid in Town and Best of My Love. Reps for the Eagles confirmed JD’s death to the Los Angeles Times, as they revealed he had died “peacefully” at his home on Tuesday.
No cause of death has yet been given, but fans have paid tribute to the singer, who had a lengthy solo career. “One of the greats. Eagles wouldn’t have made it without him,” one wrote on Facebook , as another devastated fan chimed in: “Sad news.
A great songwriter. May he rest in peace.” Describing his death as “awful”, another fan commented: “This one hurts.
He was an intricate part of The Eagles without being an Eagle,” while one said he was one of the finest musicians. “So sad..
.JD was one of the best ever to pick up a pen and a guitar..
.Prayers for the whole team, and for his family, friends and fans,” they wrote. JD also worked with American singer Linda Ronstadt, who he dated in the 1970s, and penned tracks including Prisoner in Disguise and Faithless Love.
He was best known for his work with the Eagles, and co-wrote songs such as Heartache Tonight, Victim of Love, James Dean, Doolin-Dalton, The Sad Cafe, You Never Cry Like a Lover, Teenage Jail and Last Good Time in Town. JD was due to go on tour with singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff, and had performed a gig in Delaware just five days ago, where he appeared in good spirits. He previously spoke about his work with the Eagles, and his friendship with Don Henley, and said he preferred writing songs and being away from the spotlight.
“There was definitely a period of time where people would occasionally say to me, ‘Doesn’t it p**s you off that the Eagles have these big hits off your songs?’” he said in an interview with the Creative Independent. “I would usually start saying, ‘Would you like to see the checks?'” He said he hated being famous, and said it was a “relief” that he could stay in the background as a songwriter. “It’s a relief in some ways, though it also doesn’t pay quite as well,” JD quipped.
He also appeared in TV shows such as Thirtysomething in the 1980s, and more recently with a stint on Nashville in 2012, as well as roles in movies including Postcards From the Edge, Deadline and My Girl 2. Tributes came pouring in from fans across the world on social media, with one tweeting: “Another great songwriter has left us. RIP J.
D. Souther. He wrote many of the biggest hits by The Eagles,” as another added: “Another piece of my musical history gone.
” One heartbroken fan simply tweeted: “You will be missed JD Souther.” Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads ..
