J.D. Souther, an artist who recently passed away at 78, never considered himself confined to the L.A. country-rock scene. With a profound appreciation for jazz and the Great American Songbook, Souther positioned his songwriting within a richer tradition of classic songwriters. He was undeniably correct. Jd Souther Songs possess a universal quality, attracting a diverse array of artists who have interpreted and elevated his compositions. This article delves into some of the finest JD Souther songs, showcasing both his original renditions and the celebrated covers that have further cemented his legacy. From energetic rock tracks to introspective ballads, Souther’s songwriting prowess is undeniable.
J.D. Souther, ‘Run Like a Thief’ (1972)
JD Souther in a 1970s portrait for 'Run Like a Thief' alt=JD Souther Run Like a Thief 1970s Michael Ochs Archives Getty Images
From his self-titled debut album, “Run Like a Thief” is a poignant ballad exploring infidelity and its ensuing guilt. While J.D. Souther’s initial version subtly captured the shifting moral landscape of the Seventies, it was Bonnie Raitt’s rendition on her 1975 album Home Plate that truly brought the song’s emotional depth to the forefront. Raitt amplified the ache and regret inherent in the lyrics, solidifying “Run Like a Thief” as a definitive exploration of remorse within JD Souther songs catalog.
Eagles, ‘Best of My Love’ (1974)
The Eagles band members in a posed studio portrait circa 1974/1975 for Best of My Love alt=The Eagles Best of My Love band portrait 1974 RB Redferns Getty Images
The genesis of “Best of My Love,” a hallmark among Eagles hits and JD Souther songs, is rooted in a West Hollywood bar, Dan Tana’s. Reportedly, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Souther observed budding and fading romances while brainstorming. Recorded for On the Border, the Eagles’ version, enriched by Bernie Leadon’s pedal steel and Glyn Johns’ production, leans towards a country sound, becoming a popular wedding song. However, JD Souther’s own 2011 recording for Natural History offers a contrasting perspective. Built around piano and featuring his delicate falsetto, Souther transformed “Best of My Love” into a deeply moving breakup ballad, showcasing the versatility within JD Souther songs.
Linda Ronstadt, ‘Faithless Love’ (1974)
Linda Ronstadt NBCU Photo Bank portrait for Faithless Love alt=Linda Ronstadt Faithless Love NBCU Photo Bank portrait
Linda Ronstadt played a pivotal role in JD Souther’s early exploration of country music. Their personal and professional relationship bore significant fruit, with Souther producing Ronstadt’s 1973 album Don’t Cry Now. A year later, he gifted her “Faithless Love” for her seminal album Heart Like a Wheel. This ballad, a standout among JD Souther songs, is a masterclass in soft-rock heartbreak. Its languid pace and regret-laden imagery perfectly complement Ronstadt’s vocal prowess, giving her ample space to showcase her genius. Souther’s songwriting in “Faithless Love” demonstrates his empathetic understanding of Ronstadt’s voice, a testament to their creative bond.
The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, ‘Trouble in Paradise’ (1975)
The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band live performance in Amsterdam 1976 for Trouble in Paradise alt=Souther Hillman Furay Band Trouble in Paradise Amsterdam 1976 Gijsbert Hanekroot Redferns Getty Images
“Trouble in Paradise” exists in two distinct versions within the realm of JD Souther songs. Initially recorded with the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, a project featuring Chris Hillman (The Byrds) and Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield), Souther later revisited the song for his 1979 solo album You’re Only Lonely. The SHF Band rendition is unique for revealing a jazz-influenced facet of Souther’s musicality. With Souther himself on drums, “Trouble in Paradise” adopts a loose, improvisational feel, reminiscent of a jazz jam session, complete with a notable flute solo. This version serves as a precursor to the jazzier elements that would later emerge in JD Souther songs from his solo career.
The Souther–Hillman–Furay Band, ‘Prisoner in Disguise’ (1975)
The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band performing live in Amsterdam 1976 for Prisoner in Disguise alt=Souther Hillman Furay Band Prisoner in Disguise Amsterdam 1976 Gijsbert Hanekroot Redferns Getty Images
JD Souther, like his Southern California contemporaries, excelled at capturing nocturnal introspection in his songwriting. “Prisoner in Disguise,” another gem among JD Souther songs, embodies those late-night ponderings set to a melancholic melody. This reflection on isolation, also covered by Linda Ronstadt in the same year, underscores a recurring theme in Souther’s work: solitude and contemplation. “Prisoner in Disguise” subtly foreshadowed a future where JD Souther songs would gain greater recognition through covers than his own recordings, highlighting his strength as a songwriter above all else.
J.D. Souther, ‘Your Turn Now’ (1976)
JD Souther live performance Amsterdam 1976 for Your Turn Now alt=JD Souther Your Turn Now live Amsterdam 1976 Gijsbert Hanekroot Redferns Getty Images
A deep cut from Souther’s Black Rose album, “Your Turn Now” is an overlooked gem within JD Souther songs. Its effortless rhythm and catchy chorus possess the hallmarks of a hit song, making its lack of radio airplay puzzling. The lyrics, a cautionary note to potential romantic partners (“I never said it was easy/That was your idea”), were perhaps unconventional for the era’s love songs. Despite the lyrical warning, the seductive musicality of “Your Turn Now” makes it a compelling and underrated track among JD Souther songs.
Eagles, ‘New Kid in Town’ (1976)
The Eagles band members circa 1976 for New Kid in Town alt=The Eagles New Kid in Town band portrait 1976 Michael Ochs Archives Getty Images
Despite his significant talent, JD Souther maintained a humble perspective. When the Eagles were crafting Hotel California, he casually presented them with “New Kid in Town,” a song that immediately captivated the band. “he recalled. “I didn’t know what else to do with it.” This tender track, another cornerstone of JD Souther songs, reflects on fleeting fame and love, and the evolving landscape of the Seventies singer-songwriter era as punk rock emerged. “New Kid in Town” also showcases the Eagles’ signature harmonies, earning them a Grammy Award. Souther himself noted the song’s reflection on their own careers, observing the influx of new, hungry artists as they approached 30.
J.D. Souther, ‘You’re Only Lonely’ (1979)
JD Souther performing at The Atlanta Civic Center 1981 for You're Only Lonely alt=JD Souther Youre Only Lonely Atlanta Civic Center 1981 Rick Diamond Getty Images
The title track from Souther’s third solo album, “You’re Only Lonely,” stands as a commercial peak in JD Souther songs. This tender, Roy Orbison-esque ballad reached Number Seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly, Souther himself pointed out its unconventional structure: “It doesn’t have a bridge… It doesn’t really have a chorus, and it doesn’t have a third verse even. All I can say is I thought it was a catchy little tune.” Adding to its appeal was an all-star backing vocal ensemble including Phil Everly, Jackson Browne, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, and Don Henley, elevating “You’re Only Lonely” to become one of the most recognizable JD Souther songs.
Eagles, ‘Heartache Tonight’ (1979)
The Eagles band with JD Souther after San Diego performance 1979 for Heartache Tonight alt=The Eagles Heartache Tonight San Diego 1979 George Rose Getty Images
“Heartache Tonight” exemplifies how collaboration can yield exceptional results, even with multiple songwriters. This 1979 hit, born from the combined efforts of Souther, Henley, Frey, and Bob Seger, drew inspiration from soul icon Sam Cooke. The outcome is an exhilarating country-rock anthem, irresistible to sing along to from its opening lines. Souther described the songwriting process as organic and collaborative, stating, “Glenn started clapping his hands and singing and I joined in… until the first verse felt right.” “Heartache Tonight” remains a testament to the collaborative magic within JD Souther songs written for the Eagles.
James Taylor, ‘Her Town Too’ (1981)
JD Souther and James Taylor performing at Atlanta Civic Center 1981 for Her Town Too alt=JD Souther James Taylor Her Town Too Atlanta Civic Center 1981 Rick Diamond Getty Images
“She gets the house and the garden/He gets the boys in the band.” “Her Town Too,” co-written by Souther with James Taylor and Waddy Wachtel, offers a poignant glimpse into divorce. Released as a duet on Taylor’s 1981 album Dad Loves His Work, the song is often speculated to be about Taylor’s separation from Carly Simon or perhaps Peter Asher’s personal experiences. Regardless of its specific inspiration, the focus remains on the musical artistry, particularly Souther’s exquisite harmonies blending seamlessly with Taylor’s vocals. The accompanying video provides a visual testament to this vocal synergy, showcasing Souther’s often-underrated backing vocal contributions to JD Souther songs and collaborations.
Don Henley, ‘The Heart of the Matter’ (1989)
Don Henley performing in Bloomington MN 1990 for The Heart of the Matter alt=Don Henley The Heart of the Matter Bloomington MN 1990 Jim Steinfeldt Michael Ochs Archives Getty Images
While Don Henley pursued a solo career post-Eagles, his creative partnership with J.D. Souther endured. Their collaborations extended through the 1980s, culminating in “The Heart of the Matter” for Henley’s 1989 album The End of the Innocence. Taking a demo by Mike Campbell of the Heartbreakers, Souther and Henley crafted lyrics exploring bitter separation and the arduous path to forgiveness, drawing from their recent personal experiences with broken engagements. The lyrical depth of JD Souther songs, exemplified in “The Heart of the Matter,” has resonated with artists like Lorde, who praised its profound exploration of human desire and discontent in a Rolling Stone interview.
Eagles, ‘How Long’ (2007)
The Eagles performing at Nokia Center for How Long alt=The Eagles How Long Nokia Center performance Lawrence K Ho Los Angeles Times Getty Images
Dating back to the Eagles’ early days, JD Souther’s 1972 solo track “How Long” was a staple in their live performances. It offered a unique opportunity for Glenn Frey and Don Henley to share lead vocals, showcasing the band’s signature harmonies. Decades later, the Eagles revisited “How Long” for their 2007 album Long Road Out of Eden. Their re-recorded version became a single and earned them their first Grammy since 1979. “How Long” represents a full-circle moment, highlighting JD Souther’s enduring contribution to the Eagles’ success, from their early hits to what became their final Grammy-winning single, solidifying his place in the story of JD Souther songs and the band’s legacy.
In conclusion, the diverse range of JD Souther songs, from his solo work to his collaborations with iconic artists like the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and James Taylor, reveals a songwriting genius whose compositions have transcended genres and generations. His ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable is a hallmark of his artistry. Exploring JD Souther songs is not just a journey through the discography of a remarkable songwriter, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft of songwriting itself and its lasting impact on popular music.
