J.D. Souther was born in Detroit in 1944 and moved to Los Angeles after high school. He became part of the country rock scene there in the late 1960s, co-founding The Eagles with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. He wrote songs for the band like 'Victim of Love' and 'Best of My Love' before starting his own solo work.
His first solo album came out in 1972, simply called 'John David Souther.' It had the single 'You're Only Lonely,' a ballad that got some attention. He kept making records through the 1970s and 1980s, including 'Black Rose' and 'Home By Dawn.'
Souther also wrote for other artists, including Linda Ronstadt. There was some disagreement with The Eagles over credit for 'Best of My Love' that led to a legal settlement in the late 1980s. He's had songs covered by various performers over time, from The Byrds to more recent artists.
His music often deals with relationships and loneliness, as you can hear in tracks like 'Wishing On Another Lucky Star.' He hasn't been as visible in recent decades, but those early albums and songwriting credits still turn up on playlists and in covers.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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