Successful singer-songwriter behind the hits of the legendary rock band dies at the age of 78

JD Souther, a prolific singer-songwriter who co-wrote some of the biggest hits of the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, died Tuesday morning at the age of 78.

Souther died peacefully at his home in New Mexico, according to a post on his personal website. The cause of death was not disclosed. Souther had performed just five days ago and was scheduled to begin a tour with Karla Bonoff on September 24.

John David “JD” Souther was born in Detroit on November 2, 1945, but grew up in Amarillo, Texas. He co-wrote some of the Eagles' biggest hits, including “New Kid in Town,” “Best of My Love,” and “Victim of Love.” His biggest collaborative works with Linda Ronstadt include “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues.” His work helped shape the popular country-rock sound that emerged in Southern California in the 1970s.

In addition to his songwriting, Souther also pursued a solo career, which included the hits “You're Only Lonely” (1979) and “Her Town Too” (1981) – the latter was a duet with his close friend James Taylor.

As an actor, Souther has appeared in the third season of the TV drama “Thirtysomething” and in a recurring role in the first and fifth seasons of the country music drama “Nashville”.

Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.

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Murjani Rawls can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter at @MurjaniRawls.