JD Souther. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Songwriters Hall Of Fame member JD Souther passed away on Tuesday (Sept. 17) at age 78. The tunesmith was behind a myriad of hits from the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, and was a pivotal part of the country-rock sound that reverberated in southern California during the ’70s
The Grammy nominee also wrote for country hitmakers Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks and more. As an artist himself, Souther issued several solo albums over the last 20 years. He notched two hits as a solo artist in his career, “You’re Only Lonely” in 1979 and “Her Town Too” in 1981 alongside longtime friend James Taylor.
Born John David Souther in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in Amarillo, Texas, the talented musician first started making music with a local band called The Cinders. After their first 45 record caught the attention of Warner Brothers Records, Souther found himself moving to L.A.
He soon met musician and songwriter Glenn Frey, and eventually roomed with him. The two clicked as collaborators and friends, and formed the folk duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle. Their only album was released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen’s Amos Records.
Souther then formed the Souther–Hillman–Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay. The men released two albums before calling it quits.
Other artists began to cut Souther’s songs in the ’70s. He co-wrote several hits for the Eagles, including “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid In Town,” “Doolin-Dalton,” “Victim of Love” and their final chart-topping song, “Heartache Tonight.”
Souther also collaborated heavily with Linda Ronstadt in the ’70s, whom he also dated. In addition to co-producing her Don’t Cry Now album, Souther wrote songs for several of her multi-Platinum albums, such as “Faithless Love” from Heart Like a Wheel and “White Rhythm and Blues” on Living in the USA. The two also recorded many duets together, like “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win” and “Hearts Against the Wind.” The latter was featured in the 1980 hit film Urban Cowboy.
Other artists that recorded Southers’ songs include Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Hugh Masekela, Burt Bacharach, The Chicks, Raul Malo, India Arie, Roy Orbison, Arthur Hamilton, George Strait, Brian Wilson, Bob Dipiero, Bernadette Peters and Trisha Yearwood.
In ’76, Souther released his second solo LP, Black Rose, featuring another popular duet with Ronstadt “If You Have Crying Eyes.” He scored his biggest solo hit with the 1979 song “You’re Only Lonely” from the album of the same name, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the top spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for five consecutive weeks. His hit with Taylor, “Her Town Too,” reached No. 11 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the AC chart in 1981.
In the ’80s, Souther contributed to, performed on and did the vocal arrangements for the Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night concert and video. He sang the Platters’ “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” in Steven Spielberg’s 1989 film Always, wrote the theme song to the 1989–92 sitcom Anything But Love and co-wrote one of Henley’s solo hits “The Heart of the Matter.” He also acted in the third season of the television drama Thirtysomething in ’89, playing John Dunaway.
The ’90s and 2000s brought more acting opportunities for Souther. He played Ted in the 1990 film Postcards from the Edge, played Jeffrey Pommeroy in the 1994 film My Girl 2 and Jesse James in the 1999 movie Purgatory. Souther appeared in the 2004 audiobook of Jimmy Buffett’s A Salty Piece of Land and in 2012, he appeared in the mystery thriller Deadline.
In 2002, Souther moved to Nashville and became a large presence in the town’s creative community. 10 years later, he landed a recurring role as Watty White in the first season of country music drama series Nashville. He reprised his role in a 2017 episode of the fifth season.
In 2008, Souther released his first new studio release in nearly 25 years with If the World Was You. In 2009 he followed it up with a live album titled Rain − Live at the Belcourt Theatre. 2011 brought Natural History, a collection of new versions of Souther’s songs recorded by other artists. He released his last album, Tenderness, in 2015.
JD Souther was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. At the induction ceremony he was heralded as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.”
Souther has received over 20 ASCAP performance awards and the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in 2009. In 2023, he was interviewed as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Poets and Prophets” series.
“It’s been said that JD Souther could have been a major artist if he had kept more of those beautiful, introspective songs he wrote for himself,” says the museum’s CEO Kyle Young. “He had the aching tenor voice, the good looks that got him TV acting jobs. But he was happy to co-write ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Best of My Love’ with his friends the Eagles and give ‘Prisoner in Disguise’ to Linda Ronstadt. He wasn’t a star of country-rock, but he was crucial to its enduring power.”
Souther is survived by two sisters, his former wife and her daughter, as well as his dogs Layla and Bob. Gifts in his honor can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society.
The MLC Launches Free Online Micro-Course & Enhanced Student Ambassador Program
/by Liza AndersonThe Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) has launched a free online micro-course and expanded its Student Ambassador Program.
“We’re thrilled to offer our first online micro-course as a way for students to learn about mechanical licensing and The MLC’s role in a self-paced course structure, that includes the opportunity to test their understanding,” says Serona Elton, Head of Educational Partnerships, The MLC. “Additionally, our enhanced Student Ambassador Program not only provides professional development and networking opportunities for students, but it also empowers students to play an active role in helping music creators collect the revenue they are entitled to.”
“The MLC 101: Introduction to The MLC” micro-course is available to all college students seeking to deepen their understanding of the organization’s role in ensuring songwriters, composers, lyricists and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. Students can finish the course in under three hours and will receive a certificate of completion as well as a digital badge upon successfully completing the optional final test.
The MLC’s enhanced Student Ambassador Program aims to provide all students currently enrolled in college or university courses the opportunity to engage with the organization through a 10-week program of activities that includes interacting with local songwriters, access to exclusive virtual and in-person events and sharing information about The MLC on their college campus, with no cost to participate and no geographic limitations.
The volunteer program is valid for one academic period and may be renewed if all program requirements are successfully met. Students must complete the application process through The MLC’s online platform. Applicants are required to submit proof of current enrollment at an accredited college, university or institute in the United States and must successfully pass an online video assessment. Applications for the fall 2024 academic period will be accepted through Sept. 30.
For more information, click here.
Kasey Tyndall Signs With MNRK, Releases New Single
/by Lorie HollabaughKasey Tyndall. Photo: Rachel Deeb
Kasey Tyndall has signed with MNRK and has released “Not As I’ve Done,” the first single from her forthcoming self-titled debut album for the label.
“Bringing Kasey to MNRK is one of the highest points of my 17 years here,” says Scott Givens, MNRK’s SVP of Rock. “She is a world class talent who masterfully pushes the boundaries of country and rock. All of us at MNRK are excited to put the full weight of the company behind her as she moves into the next stage of her career.”
Written by Tyndall, “Not As I’ve Done” serves as a blueprint on life for her 16-month-old daughter Sterling, is being released timed to National Daughters Week.
“I wrote this single as a map for my daughter as she grows up. My goal was to express how mommas feel as you go through life and to help your children not make those same mistakes that wish you could go back on. I can’t wait for fans to listen and get a peek at this next chapter of my music and life,” says Tyndall.
Tyndall is currently opening for Ian Munsick and Ella Langley in cities across the country through November.
Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens Slate Debut Album For October
/by Lorie HollabaughHayes & The Heathens. Photo: Casen Hutton
Hayes Carll and rock group The Band of Heathens have united for a new album, Hayes & The Heathens, out Oct. 4. They second single from the album, “Any Other Way,” is out now.
Carll and Heathens Jurdi and Gordy Quist wrote seven of the eight songs on the album, and Hayes penned their first joint effort, “Nobody Dies From Weed,” with Driver Williams. In addition to the new original songs, the men put their unique spin on The Proclaimers’ 1988 hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” for the album.
“Our collaboration was so natural and easy,” says Jurdi. “We’ve been great compadres for such a long time, and it was just the right time for this project to come to life. I think you can really hear all of that in the music. This is really that rare alliance where 1+1 = 3.”
“Leaning into each other’s strengths we found some sonic territory new to all of us, something between country-funk and good-time boogie,” says Quist. “The deciding factor for all of our creative choices on the record came down to the simple question of what sounds more fun.”
Fans can pre-order Hayes & The Heathens’ debut album on limited edition whiskey smoke-colored vinyl at hayesandheathens.com.
Hayes & The Heathens will launch their inaugural music festival, “Everybody’s Somebody Fest,” in Luckenbach, Texas the day after the album release. They initially hatched the concept for Hayes & The Heathens when they played together in Luckenbach in October of 2023.
Hayes & The Heathens Vinyl Track List:
Side A
1. Nobody Dies From Weed
2. Any Other Way
3. See How They Run
4. Nothin To Do With Your Love
Side B
1. Water From A Holy Grail
2. Adeline
3. I’m Gonna Be
4. You Can’t Stay Here
Sierra Ferrell, Brandy Clark, More Crowned Winners At 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): American Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, Jed Hilly; Dave Alvin; Sierra Ferrell and Dwight Yoakam attend the 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Sierra Ferrell, Brandy Clark and Larkin Poe were among the big winners at The Americana Music Association’s 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards this week at the Ryman Auditorium.
Ferrell earned both of the night’s top honors with her first Artist of the Year trophy and Album of the Year win for her 2024 record, Trail of Flowers, produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa.
Brandy Clark performs onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Clark won Song of the Year for “Dear Insecurity,” a collaboration with her 2024 self-titled album producer, Brandi Carlile, which she penned with Michael Pollack. Sister duo Larkin Poe won their first Duo/Group of the Year award, along with other first time winners The Red Clay Strays, who were crowned Emerging Act of the Year. Guitar-shredding wonder Grace Bowers took home the Instrumentalist of the Year honor during the evening as well.
Highlights from the ceremony include Don Was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from surprise presenter Martina McBride; Allison Moorer, singer-songwriter and sister of Shelby Lynne, presenting Lynne with her Lifetime Achievement Award; and Clark awarding Dwight Yoakam his Lifetime Achievement honor.
Pictured (L-R): Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe accept the Duo/Group of the Year Award. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Buddy Miller returned as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, which included Bryan Owings, Don Was, Jerry Pentecost, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, Larry Campbell and the McCrary Sisters.
Duane Betts opened the show with a performance of the Allman Brothers’ classic, “Blue Sky,” to honor his father Dickey, who died in April.
Rev. Gary Davis posthumously received the Legacy of Americana Award in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music. It was presented by Director of Education and Exhibitions of NMAAM Noëlle Taylor, and Executive Director, Creative at BMI Nashville and Americana Board member Shannon Sanders.
Noah Kahan performs onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
The evening included performances by The Blind Boys of Alabama, Clark with SistaStrings, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dave Alvin, Yoakam, Fantastic Negrito, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jobi Riccio, Kaitlin Butts, Larkin Poe, The Milk Carton Kids, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz, Shelby Lynne, Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, The War and Treaty, Waxahatchee with MJ Lenderman and Wyatt Flores.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gram Parsons’ Grievous Angel, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell closed the evening with “Return of the Grievous Angel.”
“Tonight was a powerful and heartfelt evening,” shared Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “It represented the commitment to community, which exemplifies the spirit of Americana. This legacy has stood strong for 25 years and will continue for decades to come.”
Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride and Don Was attend the 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Wyatt Flores performs onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Pictured (L-R): Sterling Glass, Ricky McKinnie of Blind Boys of Alabama, Susan Tedeschi, Joey Williams and JW Smith of Blind Boys of Alabama attend the 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Shelby Lynne accepts the Lifetime Achievement award onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Pictured (L-R): Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell perform onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
Adam Wheeler Inks With HoriGlobal Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): HoriGlobal Entertainment’s Butch Baker, Adam Wheeler and HoriGlobal Entertainment’s Akira Hori
Songwriter and producer Adam Wheeler has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with HoriGlobal Entertainment. The deal includes select portions of his back catalog as well as future copyrights.
Wheeler’s credits include two tracks on Megan Moroney’s Gold-certified Lucky album as well as tunes recorded by Clay Walker, Tracy Lawrence, Tenille Arts, Zach John King, Scotty McCreery, The Crabb Family and others. His songs have earned ASCAP and BMI performance awards and been featured on various Grammy-nominated, Gold and Platinum albums. Additionally, Wheeler released his own album Soul of a Songwriter last year.
“It’s awesome to have Adam with us at HoriGlobal,” says Butch Baker, Senior VP/Co-Owner, HoriGlobal Entertainment. “He has been a friend for many years, and I have always admired him as a person and a great songwriter. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to get to work with the HoriGlobal family,” shares Wheeler. “Butch Baker has a reputation as a great guy and a great song guy. I value both qualities very highly.”
SOLID Announces New Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Liza AndersonThird annual Drew Alexander Second Harvest Volunteer Day. Photo: Kim Albritton
Society of Leaders In Development (SOLID) announced The SOLID Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award during the third annual Drew Alexander Second Harvest Volunteer Day last Thursday (Sept. 12).
Launched 26 years ago, the organization aims to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm together, while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals.
The SOLID Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award aims to recognize those who embody the values shown by Alexander, a founding member of the organization, and celebrated by SOLID. The accolade emerged after SOLID alumni approached the current SOLID Board of Directors, wanting to establish an award in honor of Alexander. While discussing the award, alumni noted Alexander’s commitment to mentorship of those in the industry as well as his desire to serve his community.
Candidates can be peer or self-nominated. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 1. For more information, click here.
Lainey Wilson Celebrates Bell Bottoms Up Grand Opening
/by Madison HahnenLainey Wilson during her Bell Bottoms Up grand opening. Photo: Erick Frost
Lainey Wilson celebrated the grand opening of her new bar Bell Bottoms Up on Tuesday night (Sept. 17).
The 27,000 square foot space first opened in May, where Wilson hosted an eight hour meet and greet with fans. Since then, Wilson has made several appearances in the space, including her ACM Honors after party to celebrate her Triple Crown and Milestone ACM Awards.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Sam Calderon
During the grand opening, Wilson cut the venue ribbon before hoping on the rooftop stage for a surprise performance. The setlist included some of the singer’s biggest hits such as “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Heart Like A Truck.” She also dove into her new Whirlwind album with “4X4XU” and “Hang Tight Honey,” among others.
The event also featured a sneak peek of Wilson’s upcoming
“Bell Bottoms Up is a dream come true,” shared Wilson. “Every time I’m in Nashville it’s where I want to be, because it’s a place my ‘Wild Horses’ can call home. I’m living my own honky-tonk dream, and to celebrate the opening of a honky-tonk of my own is truly something special. I hope to see y’all there soon!”
Bell Bottoms Up has two stages with four bars total. The mezzanine level showcases a lounge space called Neon Diamonds that overlooks the first-floor stage and dining area. The rooftop level boasts a ’70s-style Western aesthetic including a dance floor, disco-inspired décor and frozen daiquiri cocktails.
The three-story building is filled with Wilson’s signature flair and features several framed outfits from her top performances. With a Cajun-inspired food menu, guests can pay homage to Wilson’s Louisiana upbringing. Next door is Bayou Keys, Nashville’s newest dueling piano bar, which is also a nod to Wilson’s roots and the place where dueling pianos first began, New Orleans.
Bell Bottoms Up and Bayou Keys are owned and operated by TC Restaurant Group, which serves as the leading operator and partner for dining and entertainment venues in downtown Nashville.
Spirit Music Nashville & The Futuristics Sign Brock Westover
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC’s Leisl Eschbach, David Crow, Spirit Music Nashville’s Gray Schubert, Fluid Music Revolution’s AJ Burton and Spirit Music Nashville’s Brian Bradford; (L–R, front row): Spirit Music Group’s Frank Rogers, Brock Westover, Spirit Music Nashville’s Andy Hodges and Kennedy Murphy. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Nashville
Spirit Music Nashville and multi-Platinum songwriting and production duo The Futuristics have formed a creative joint venture and signed Brock Westover to a worldwide publishing deal that encompasses his entire song catalog and future works.
Westover is a Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer. His recent credits include Flyanaboss’s “Big One,” Martin Jensen and Jay Sean’s “Days Like This,” Kyle Dion’s “Boyfriend Jeans” and Jordy’s “Mind Games” as well as songs recorded by Frawley, Francis Karel and Jake Miller, among others.
“Spirit Music is excited to partner with the The Futuristics and announce the signing of Brock Westover,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Brock is an undeniable talent as a songwriter, producer, musician and singer. The sky is the limit for Brock in both Nashville and Los Angeles. Let’s go!!!”
“Brock is one of the most hard-working, dedicated and talented producers/writers we have ever met,” add Alex Schwartz and Joe Khajadourian of The Futuristics. “Having watched him grow and hone his craft over the last couple years, we’re thrilled to be partnering with Spirit and know as a team we’re going to watch Brock have a ton of success.”
“I’m excited to be joining the Spirit roster as a joint venture with The Futuristics,” shares Westover. “It’s always been a dream of mine to bridge my experience creating pop music in L.A. with my country roots growing up in Mississippi. This partnership with Frank is a perfect match. We’ve already hit the ground running, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’re working on.”
T.J. Martell Foundation Honors Seth England
/by LB CantrellPictured (L–R): Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Ernest attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th Annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Michael Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s leading foundation that provides funds for innovative cancer research, hosted its 49th Annual New York Honors Gala last night (Sept. 17) at Cipriani 42nd Street. The star-studded evening honored Big Loud Partner/CEO Seth England, who received the Lifetime Music Industry Award. It also broke the foundation’s record as the most successful gala in more than 20 years, raising $2.6 million.
Pictured (L–R): Joey Moi, John Esposito, Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Steve Gawley attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
The evening featured a special writers’ round performance by Big Loud hitmakers Morgan Wallen, Hardy and Ernest. Hardy performed his No. 1 hit “Truck Bed,” while Wallen and Ernest serenaded the room with “Flower Shops.” Wallen also gave attendees an early listen to an unreleased song titled “Love Somebody.”
“When I asked Seth England to be this year’s Honoree, he didn’t hesitate, he didn’t need to check his schedule, he just said yes, because that’s the kind of person Seth is. He truly cares, understood the gravity of our cause and he jumped in with both feet. Seth’s only question was, ‘How do we make the most impact?’ Because Seth always thinks big,” said Steve Gawley, T.J. Martell Foundation Chairman-Elect of the Board of Trustees, during his remarks.
He went on to share that the following day, England’s wife and fellow music business executive Rakiyah Marshall kicked off the campaign with a quarter million dollar personal donation. Soon after, the Big Loud and T.J. Martell teams planned a kickoff breakfast in Nashville which raised over $1.1 million.
Hardy, Morgan Wallen and Ernest perform onstage at the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
“Our fundraising work continued full speed into the summer and that’s when I received a call from Craig Wiseman, Seth’s other partner at Big Loud,” Gawley said. “What Craig made clear to me was simply the enormous pride he took in having mentored Seth for his entire career. Craig asked me ‘How much do you need to go over the two million dollars—I’m giving you $300,000 today, we’re breaking the record today and now go on and get even more for cancer research my friend.’ I was pretty stunned.”
When England took to the podium, he continued to highlight the life-changing work of the foundation.
“None of us would be here without the incredible work of the historic T.J. Martell Foundation. This year, I’ve had a massive learning curve about all that this organization means to folks—learning about the people it’s helped save and the money raised that continues to go to cancer research,” England shared. “The work that the T.J. Martell Foundation has done has touched countless lives, and being a part of that legacy is beyond humbling. I’m honored to be able to contribute to this mission in tonight’s small way.”
Pictured (L–R): Brianne Deslippe, Eric England, Candice Watkins, Greg Thompson, Patch Culbertson, Joey Moi, Seth England, Austen Adam, Craig Wiseman, Kimberly Gleason Sara Knabe and Paul Logan attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
Referring to Wallen, Hardy and Ernest, he added, “I like to always remind the three of them and anyone else who will listen that this business is what you do, it’s not who you are. Tonight, I couldn’t be more proud of those three in particular who showed up for me, showed up for this foundation and for cancer research because that’s who they are as people.”
The evening also included a fundraising auction, and Archie Davis, Def Jam’s Chief Creative Officer/EVP who received the New York Honors Gala Rising Music Superstar Award in 2023, announced an important new initiative that will continue to raise awareness of early screening and testing.
The event was hosted by Gawley and the Gala Co-Chair committee including Ben Adelson, Tyler Arnold, Scott Borchetta, Tom Corson, Archie Davis, John Esposito, Clint Higham, Lynn-Anne Huck, Monte Lipman, Avery Lipman, Rakiyah Marshall, Debbie Martell, Joey Moi, Brian O’Connell, Andre Stapleton, Julie Swidler, Greg Thompson, Candice Watkins and Wiseman.
Treasured Country-Rock Songwriter JD Souther Passes
/by LB CantrellJD Souther. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Songwriters Hall Of Fame member JD Souther passed away on Tuesday (Sept. 17) at age 78. The tunesmith was behind a myriad of hits from the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, and was a pivotal part of the country-rock sound that reverberated in southern California during the ’70s
The Grammy nominee also wrote for country hitmakers Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks and more. As an artist himself, Souther issued several solo albums over the last 20 years. He notched two hits as a solo artist in his career, “You’re Only Lonely” in 1979 and “Her Town Too” in 1981 alongside longtime friend James Taylor.
Born John David Souther in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in Amarillo, Texas, the talented musician first started making music with a local band called The Cinders. After their first 45 record caught the attention of Warner Brothers Records, Souther found himself moving to L.A.
He soon met musician and songwriter Glenn Frey, and eventually roomed with him. The two clicked as collaborators and friends, and formed the folk duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle. Their only album was released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen’s Amos Records.
Souther then formed the Souther–Hillman–Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay. The men released two albums before calling it quits.
Other artists began to cut Souther’s songs in the ’70s. He co-wrote several hits for the Eagles, including “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid In Town,” “Doolin-Dalton,” “Victim of Love” and their final chart-topping song, “Heartache Tonight.”
Souther also collaborated heavily with Linda Ronstadt in the ’70s, whom he also dated. In addition to co-producing her Don’t Cry Now album, Souther wrote songs for several of her multi-Platinum albums, such as “Faithless Love” from Heart Like a Wheel and “White Rhythm and Blues” on Living in the USA. The two also recorded many duets together, like “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win” and “Hearts Against the Wind.” The latter was featured in the 1980 hit film Urban Cowboy.
Other artists that recorded Southers’ songs include Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Hugh Masekela, Burt Bacharach, The Chicks, Raul Malo, India Arie, Roy Orbison, Arthur Hamilton, George Strait, Brian Wilson, Bob Dipiero, Bernadette Peters and Trisha Yearwood.
In ’76, Souther released his second solo LP, Black Rose, featuring another popular duet with Ronstadt “If You Have Crying Eyes.” He scored his biggest solo hit with the 1979 song “You’re Only Lonely” from the album of the same name, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the top spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for five consecutive weeks. His hit with Taylor, “Her Town Too,” reached No. 11 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the AC chart in 1981.
In the ’80s, Souther contributed to, performed on and did the vocal arrangements for the Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night concert and video. He sang the Platters’ “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” in Steven Spielberg’s 1989 film Always, wrote the theme song to the 1989–92 sitcom Anything But Love and co-wrote one of Henley’s solo hits “The Heart of the Matter.” He also acted in the third season of the television drama Thirtysomething in ’89, playing John Dunaway.
The ’90s and 2000s brought more acting opportunities for Souther. He played Ted in the 1990 film Postcards from the Edge, played Jeffrey Pommeroy in the 1994 film My Girl 2 and Jesse James in the 1999 movie Purgatory. Souther appeared in the 2004 audiobook of Jimmy Buffett’s A Salty Piece of Land and in 2012, he appeared in the mystery thriller Deadline.
In 2002, Souther moved to Nashville and became a large presence in the town’s creative community. 10 years later, he landed a recurring role as Watty White in the first season of country music drama series Nashville. He reprised his role in a 2017 episode of the fifth season.
In 2008, Souther released his first new studio release in nearly 25 years with If the World Was You. In 2009 he followed it up with a live album titled Rain − Live at the Belcourt Theatre. 2011 brought Natural History, a collection of new versions of Souther’s songs recorded by other artists. He released his last album, Tenderness, in 2015.
JD Souther was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. At the induction ceremony he was heralded as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.”
Souther has received over 20 ASCAP performance awards and the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in 2009. In 2023, he was interviewed as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Poets and Prophets” series.
“It’s been said that JD Souther could have been a major artist if he had kept more of those beautiful, introspective songs he wrote for himself,” says the museum’s CEO Kyle Young. “He had the aching tenor voice, the good looks that got him TV acting jobs. But he was happy to co-write ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Best of My Love’ with his friends the Eagles and give ‘Prisoner in Disguise’ to Linda Ronstadt. He wasn’t a star of country-rock, but he was crucial to its enduring power.”
Souther is survived by two sisters, his former wife and her daughter, as well as his dogs Layla and Bob. Gifts in his honor can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society.