An American LEGEND has passed away.

John David Souther, a singer, songwriter, and actor who penned songs for Linda Rondstadt and The Eagles has died.

Deadline.com is crediting Souther with helping "define the country-tinged Laurel Canyon/Southern California rock sound of the 1970s, has died."

78 Years Of Life

John David Souther was born on November 2, 1945. He passed away on September 17, 2024.

Souther reportedly died peacefully at his home in Sandia Park, NM. Representatives for Souther have not provided a cause of death at the time of writing.

JD Souther was born in Detroit before being raised in Texas as a young boy. By the late 1960s, Souther had moved to Los Angeles "where he soon, and fortuitously, formed a band called Longbranch Pennywhistle with musician-songwriter Glenn Frey, a fellow Detroit native."

Souther and Frey

You may have heard of the name Glenn Frey before. He was, after all, a founding member of The Eagles, one of the most successful bands in the history of the world.

Needless to say, with two great talents like Frey and Souther putting their heads together, it was no wonder they were able to contribute to some of the most beloved songs of the genre, such as "Best of My Love," "New Kid in Town," and "James Dean."

Souther even helped write "Heartache Tonight" with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bob Seager. "Heartache Tonight" would go on to become a Number One hit for The Eagles in 1979.

Despite not being an official member of The Eagles, there's no disputing that he helped contribute greatly to the group's success. He was so instrumental that The Eagles issued a statement about Souther's passing on their 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. J.D. Souther was smart, talented, well-read, and in possession of a wicked sense of humor… Adios, old friend. Travel well."

Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder posted, "The invisible Eagle has left the nest. His writing contribution and vocal contributions to the music industry has been a blessing to the whole world. He will be missed, but his songs will live on forever. Rest in peace, my friend."

Rest in peace to Souther and we are praying for comfort for the friends and family that Souther has left behind.

The music world has lost a legend we won't soon forget.