John David Souther was 78 and a giant in west coast rock and roll. He wrote so many hits for the Eagles, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and himself. What a shame to report he’s gone.
I was lucky to meet JD a long time ago with his great friend, the actress Mary Kay Place. He was a legend in the rock world as the author of so many monster hits.
The Eagles’ “Best of My Love” was actually the song that broke the group out. He also wrote two other Eagles classics, “Heartache Tonight,” and “New Kid In Town.”
Souther’s duet with James Taylor on “Her Town, Too” was a left field smash, especially because it made it sound like they were talking about Carly Simon, Taylor’s ex.
On his own, JD had a number 1 hit with “You’re Only Lonely.”
Some fans of the TV show, “thirtysomething,” will remember him as inspired casting as the teacher Hope Steadman sort of falls for during her pregnancy.
No cause of death has been given. But condolences to his many fans, friends, and family. JD Souther is an important name in pop history, like Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon. He will be sorely missed.
