Multi-instrumentalist J.D. Souther achieved his greatest musical success by writing songs for the Eagles and other 1970s rock stars. It was Souther who suggested that Linda Ronstadt hire Glenn Frey and Don Henley for her back-up band. That connection eventually led to the formation of the Eagles.

Souther released his own albums to modest success. His biggest hit single was "You're Only Lonely" in 1979. You can hear the song by going to the official audio. In the chapters for this episode, you'll see an image of the "You're Only Lonely" album cover. That album and his LP "Midnight in Tokyo," which is pictured in the thumbnail and the chapters, are available on Amazon Music.

To learn more about Souther and see some great portraits of him, visit his website.

This tribute is one of 41 stories that Sheldon Zoldan, a longtime journalist, has written and recorded in honor of the music notables who passed away in 2024. He's written tributes for other years as well. You can listen to the ones from 2023 on Everyday Creation. We'll have the 2022 tributes available later this year.
Sheldon also is the creator of Song of the Day, a story that he sends by email to a list of subscribers. To get on his subscriber list, email [email protected] with the subject line ADD ME TO SOTD.

This is Kate Jones. Thank you for listening to Everyday Creation, available on YouTube and in podcast directories including Apple, Audible, iHeart and Spotify.