The Songwriters Hall of Fame was saddened to learn of the passing of 2013 inductee, JD Souther.
A principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters, Mr. Souther has either written or co-written some of the Eagles’ biggest hits, including “Heartache Tonight,” “Victim of Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Best of My Love,” Don Henley's super hit "The Heart of the Matter," and the Eagles’ single from 2007, “How Long.”
Mr. Souther has written ten songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt, including classics “Faithless Love,” “Simple Man, Simple Dream,” and “Prisoner in Disguise.” He has collaborated with other world-renowned musicians, including his duet “Her Town Too” with James Taylor, and has worked with numerous other artists and writers, including Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Hugh Masekela, Burt Bacharach, Dixie Chicks, Raul Malo, India Arie, Roy Orbison, Arthur Hamilton, George Strait, Brian Wilson, Bob Dipiero, Bernadette Peters, and Trisha Yearwood.
Mr. Souther released successful solo albums praised by publications like Rolling Stone, Time Magazine, Jazz Times, and American Songwriter. Mr. Souther’s songs have appeared on over 117 million albums sold worldwide. In 2012, he was cast as a guest star on ABC’s hit show Nashville as legendary producer, songwriter and mentor Watty White.
Mr. Souther has received many accolades including GRAMMY nominations, Academy of Country Music and American Music Awards, over twenty ASCAP performance awards and the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in 2009.
Mr. Souther is survived by his two sisters, his ex-wife and her daughter, his dogs Layla and Bob
