Singer JD Souther, who wrote hits for the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, dies at 78

Singer-songwriter John David “JD” Souther, known for his collaborations with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, has died at the age of 78.

He died “peacefully at his home in New Mexico,” according to a message on his official website on September 17. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Souther was known as a co-writer of several classic Eagles songs, including “New Kid in Town” and “Best of My Love.”

He also wrote songs for Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt, including Raitt's “Run Like a Thief” and Rondstadt's “Faithless Love” and “Simple Man, Simple Dream.”

His long list of collaborators also included James Taylor, Crosby, Stills & Nash, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood and several others.

Souther also had a successful solo career, releasing his debut album, John David Souther, in 1972. His last solo album was Tenderness in 2015.

In addition to his music career, he has appeared in shows and films including “Nashville,” “Thirtysomething,” and “Postcards from the Edge.”

He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. In a memorial message on its website, the Hall of Fame called him “one of the primary architects of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.”

According to his website, Souther was scheduled to tour with singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff later this month.

He leaves behind his two sisters, his ex-wife and her daughter, as well as his “beloved dogs Layla and Bob,” his website states.

Souther's fellow artists have paid tribute to him on social media.