John David "J. D." Souther (born November 2, 1945) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles. Souther is probably best known for his songwriting abilities, especially in the field of country rock. He co-wrote some of the biggest hits for the Eagles, including "Best of My Love", "Victim of Love", "Heartache Tonight", and "New Kid in Town". "How Long", which appears on the Eagles' Long Road Out of Eden, was written by Souther and originally recorded on his first solo album in 1972. Souther recorded two major hit songs in his solo career: "You're Only Lonely" (1979) and "Her Town Too" (1981), a duet with longtime friend James Taylor.
Souther was born in Detroit, Michigan, United States, but raised in Amarillo, Texas. As a musician and songwriter, he was greatly influenced in his formative years by fellow Texan Roy Orbison.[according to whom?]
His first recordings were with local group 'The Cinders' who traveled to the nearby Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico. Their first 45 rpm record was released on the tiny RIC label in 1965, then Norman Petty successfully shopped their recordings to Warner Brothers for a second single release as 'John David and The Cinders' in 1966. After moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, Souther met musician and songwriter Glenn Frey, and eventually the two became roommates and musical collaborators, and for a time performed as a folk duo using the name Longbranch Pennywhistle. Their lone, eponymous album was released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen's Amos Records.

Return to J. D. Souther Autograph Profile