The Eagles have paid a touching tribute to their late “brother” and collaborator JD Souther.
The pioneering songwriter co-wrote several of the Grammy-winning rock group’s tunes – including ‘The Best of My Love’, ‘New Kid in Town’, and ‘Heartache Tonight’ – and contributed to 77-year-old band member Don Henley’s solo works, and they have fond memories of the “talented” star, who died on September 17 at the age of 78.
In a post on their website, the group wrote: “We have lost a brother, a friend and a brilliant collaborator, and the world has lost a great songwriter, a pioneer of the Southern California sound that emerged in the 1970s. J.D. Souther was smart, talented, well-read, and in possession of a wicked sense of humor. He loved a good meal, a good movie, and a good Martini… and he loved dogs, adopting many, over the course of his lifetime.
“Born in Detroit and raised in the Texas Panhandle, he was a student of the deep roots of the best American music – from country, to jazz, to classical, as well as “Standards” from the Great American Songbook – and that knowledge and appreciation informed his work. He was a crucial co-writer on many of our most popular songs, including, The Best of My Love, New Kid in Town, and Heartache Tonight. J.D. also collaborated on many of Don Henley’s solo works, including The Heart of the Matter, Little Tin God, If Dirt Were Dollars and Talking to the Moon.”
They concluded: “We mourn his loss and we send our condolences to his family, his friends, and his many fans around the world. He was an extraordinary man and will be greatly missed by many. Adios, old friend. Travel well.”
JD’s passing came less than a week before he was due to hit the road for a tour on September 24.
His representative confirmed he died peacefully at home in New Mexico. No cause of death was given.
The songwriter – who was born John David Souther – struck up a friendship with the group’s late co-frontman Glenn Frey and the pair played in bands together.
JD was offered the chance to join Eagles but didn’t take up the offer in the end.
He used to date singer Linda Ronstadt, 78, and the pair collaborated many times.
His writing credits also included James Taylor’s 1981 song ‘Her Town Too’.
The singer also had a successful solo career with his biggest hit being 1979’s ‘You’re Only Lonely’, which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His most recent album was 2015’s ‘Tenderness’.