The sad news of the death of legendary songwriter JD Souther is reverberating throughout the music world. Souther, who passed away Tuesday, September 17, at age 78, was best-known for co-writing many hits for the Eagles.
Among the classic Eagles tunes he co-wrote were “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid in Town,” “Victim of Love,” and “Heartache Tonight.” He also wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by many other well-known artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, and James Taylor.
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In addition, Souther was a member of the short-lived country-rock supergroup the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. He also launched a successful solo career. His biggest hit as a solo artist came in 1979 with “You’re Only Lonely,” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.
Beyond his various songwriting contributions and his own musical projects, Souther also lent his vocal talents to many memorable songs by other famous artists. In commemoration of his passing, here are four noteworthy tunes by various music stars featuring Souther on either on duet or backing vocals.
“Desperados Under the Eaves” – Warren Zevon (1976)
“Desperados Under the Eaves” is one of the outstanding songs featured on Warren Zevon’s acclaimed self-titled 1976 album. The tune, which was written by Zevon, closes out the album and features a choir of backing vocals.
Souther is just one of several singers who lent their voices to the track, along with Jackson Browne, The Beach Boys’ Carl Wilson, and Beach Boys touring member Billy Hinsche.
“Short People” – Randy Newman (1977)
Randy Newman has long been considered among the finest and most insightful songwriters in world of pop music. In 1977, Newman scored his biggest commercial hit as an artist with “Short People,” which offered a tongue-in-cheek commentary on prejudice. The tune peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, his only recording ever to crack the Top 40.
Souther lent backing vocals to the track, as did his friend and frequent Eagles collaborator Glenn Frey. Another Eagles member Timothy B. Schmit, played bass on the song.
“Hearts Against the Wind” – Linda Ronstadt and JD Souther (1980)
Besides the Eagles, Souther also frequently collaborated with Ronstadt. The two became romantically involved during the early 1970s, and he wrote many songs that appeared on her albums during that decade. JD also sang backing or harmony vocals on several tunes. In addition, Souther co-produced Ronstadt’s 1973 album Don’t Cry Now.
In 1980, Souther and Ronstadt teamed up for a duet on “Hearts Against the Wind,” a song he wrote that appeared on the soundtrack of the popular John Travolta film Urban Cowboy. The twangy country ballad features the couple delivering soaring harmonies backed by a bright mandolin solo and strummed acoustic guitar.
“Hearts Against the Wind” was the final song on the soundtrack, which spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
“Her Town Too” – James Taylor with JD Souther (1981)
Souther teamed up with Taylor and lauded session guitarist Waddy Wachtel to write “Her Town Too,” which appeared on James’ 1981 studio album, Dad Loves His Work.
The R&B-tinged pop ballad featured Taylor duetting with Souther. The song is rumored to have been inspired by the breakup of Taylor’s marriage to Carly Simon, as well as possibly the end of Souther’s relationship with Ronstadt.
“Her Town Too” became Taylor’s final Top-40 hit on the Hot 100 to date, peaking at No. 11.