Tributes are pouring in for legendary songwriter John David “JD” Souther, who died Tuesday, September 18, at age 78. At the top of the list of respected music artists paying homage are the Eagles, for whom Souther co-wrote many well-known songs.
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The band has posted a joint statement with regard to Souther’s passing on its official website.
“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,” the message begins. “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.”
The note continues, “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.”
[RELATED: 4 Great Songs by Famous Artists Featuring Vocals by Late Songwriting Legend JD Souther]
The homage also acknowledged Souther’s role as “a crucial co-writer” of many of the Eagles’ most popular songs, among them “The Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight.” The statement adds that Souther also collaborated with Eagles co-founder Don Henley and a number of Henley’s solo tunes, including “The Heart of the Matter,” “Little Tin God,” “If Dirt Were Dollars and Talking to the Moon.”
The tribute concludes, “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.”
Tributes from Souther’s Ex-Bandmates Chris Hillman & Richie Furay
Among the other noteworthy artists paying homage to Souther are founding Byrds member Chris Hillman and Buffalo Springfield and Poco co-founder Richie Furay. During the 1970s, the three musicians teamed up to form The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, which released two albums before breaking up.
“I lost my friend, John David. A sad day that continually leaves me feeling numb,” Hillman wrote in a note on his social media pages. “We were close and I count him as a great blessing in my life. He possessed a great sense of humor, and was one of the most intelligent people that ever crossed my path. The voice, the songs he wrote will forever be in my heart.”
Furay posted a lengthier tribute on his Facebook page.
“I knew something was wrong when I got the phone call yesterday afternoon; the person on the other end of the line could barely talk as he let me know my friend JD Souther had passed into eternity,” Richie wrote. “Our lives crossed at a very difficult time in my life and consequently our friendship didn’t have a lot of time to develop, but we remained friends, for which I am forever grateful.”
Furay added, “He was a dynamic personality with a great sense of humor but mysterious at the same time. JD was one of contemporary music’s most gifted songwriters. I am very thankful for the time we had together on this part of life’s journey.”
Other Tributes
A number of other music artists also have posted tributes to Souther, including his longtime friend and fellow Eagles collaborator Jack Tempchin and lauded songwriter Jimmy Webb. Check out those homages below:
Jack Tempchin
Jimmy Webb
Stephen Bishop
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