Music / Film & TV
J. D. Souther
1945–2024 · singer, songwriter, actor
Detroit-born songwriter behind Eagles hits like “Best of My Love” and “New Kid in Town”, and early duo partner of fellow Detroit native Glenn Frey.
- Born
Detroit, Michigan- Died
Sandia Park, New Mexico
aged 78- Birth name
- John David Souther
- Also known as
- JD Souther
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
John David Souther was born in Detroit and raised in Amarillo, Texas, so his tie to the city is his birth rather than his upbringing. In Los Angeles in the late 1960s he formed the duo Longbranch Pennywhistle with another Detroit-born musician, Glenn Frey, and the friendship shaped both careers. Souther became one of the architects of the Southern California sound, writing for Linda Ronstadt and co-writing some of the Eagles' biggest hits, including “Best of My Love”, “New Kid in Town”, “Heartache Tonight” and “Victim of Love”. As a solo artist he scored with “You're Only Lonely” (1979) and “Her Town Too” (1981), a duet with James Taylor, and he later acted on television, including the series Nashville. He joined the Eagles on stage during their 2008 farewell tour.
Highlights
- Co-wrote Eagles hits “Best of My Love”, “New Kid in Town” and “Heartache Tonight”
- Solo hit “You're Only Lonely” (1979)
- “Her Town Too” with James Taylor (1981)
- Formed Longbranch Pennywhistle with Glenn Frey