JD Souther may have flown under the radar compared to the superstars he wrote for, but his fingerprints are all over the Southern California sound. His sharp songwriting, heartfelt lyrics, and melodic instincts helped shape the careers of the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and many more. Here’s a closer look at some of the classic songs he gifted to others:
“Best of My Love” – Souther co-wrote this Eagles ballad that became their first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
“New Kid in Town” – A soulful story of fame and transience, co-written with Glenn Frey and Don Henley, it won the Eagles a Grammy in 1977.
“Heartache Tonight” – Souther, Frey, Henley, and Bob Seger collaborated on this upbeat anthem that topped the charts in 1979.
“Victim of Love” – A rock-forward track from ‘Hotel California’ that Souther co-wrote with the band.
“James Dean” – Co-written by Souther, this swaggering tribute helped define the edgier side of the Eagles’ early sound.
“How Long” – Originally from his 1972 solo debut, the Eagles revived it for their 2007 album ‘Long Road Out of Eden’.
“Faithless Love” – This tender heartbreak song became a staple of Linda Ronstadt’s ‘Heart Like a Wheel’.
“White Rhythm and Blues” – Written for Ronstadt’s ‘Living in the USA’ album, it balanced grit and grace.
“Prisoner in Disguise” – Another classic Ronstadt track that showed off Souther’s talent for melodic melancholy.
“Sometimes You Can’t Win” – A country-soul duet with Ronstadt that underlined their creative chemistry.
“Hearts Against the Wind” – Featured in ‘Urban Cowboy’, this Souther-Ronstadt duet had cinematic sweetness.
“Run Like a Thief” – A Bonnie Raitt cut from her 1975 album ‘Home Plate’, written by Souther with roadhouse flair.
“Her Town Too” – A co-write and duet with James Taylor, this track charted high and spoke to shared heartbreak.
“The Heart of the Matter” – Souther co-wrote this introspective Don Henley hit that resonated with late-80s listeners.
“Wishing on Another Lucky Star” – A poignant ballad featured in the 1988 film ‘Permanent Record’.
“Doin’ Time for Bein’ Young” – A rockabilly-tinged track written for the ‘Cry-Baby’ movie soundtrack.