By Cynthia Charlene Greason

FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

John David “JD” Souther (November 2, 1945 – September 17, 2024) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He wrote and co-wrote songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles. Souther was known for his songwriting abilities, especially in the field of country rock. He co-wrote some of the biggest hits for the Eagles, including “Best of My Love“, “Victim of Love”, “Heartache Tonight“, and “New Kid in Town“. “How Long“, which appeared on Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden, was written by Souther and originally recorded on his first solo album in 1972. Souther recorded two major hit songs in his solo career: “You’re Only Lonely” (1979) and “Her Town Too” (1981), a duet with his longtime friend James Taylor.

Souther married Alexandra Sliwin, a member of the group Honey Ltd., in March 1969; they divorced in 1972. He dated Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks in the 1970s. He briefly dated Judee Sill and was the inspiration for her song “Jesus Was a Cross Maker“.

In December 2002, Souther moved from the Hollywood Hills to Nashville, Tennessee. In 2004, he married Sarah Nicholson from Bansha, Ireland; they divorced in 2010.

JD Souther died at his home in New Mexico on September 17, 2024, at the age of 78.