J. D. Souther
J.D. Souther: A Legendary Songwriter and Poet
Full Name and Common Aliases
J.D. Souther's full name is John Douglas Souther. He is often referred to as JD, a nod to his laid-back and down-to-earth personality.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 2, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, J.D. Souther passed away on August 11, 2023, at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
J.D. Souther was an American singer-songwriter, poet, and record producer. He was a key figure in the Southern California music scene during the 1970s and 1980s, known for his distinctive voice, insightful lyrics, and genre-bending style that blended country, rock, and folk.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, J.D. Souther's early life was marked by a love of music and poetry. He began writing songs at the age of 16, drawing inspiration from the likes of Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams Sr. After graduating from high school, Souther moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.
Major Accomplishments
J.D. Souther's impressive resume boasts numerous accolades, including:
Three-time Grammy Award nominee for Best Country Song
Two-time Grammy Award winner as a songwriter and producer
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013)
Named one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time (2008)
Notable Works or Actions
Souther's extensive discography includes collaborations with top artists such as The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, and Neil Young. Some of his most notable works include:
"Annie's Song" (co-written with John Denver)
"Faithless Love" (featured on the album "Natural Night")
* "You're the One I Need" (recorded by Linda Ronstadt)
Souther was also a key figure in shaping the sound of The Eagles, contributing several songs to their iconic albums, including "Desperado," "On the Border," and "Hotel California."
Impact and Legacy
J.D. Souther's impact on the music world extends far beyond his own impressive catalog. He helped shape the country-rock genre, influencing a generation of songwriters and artists. His collaborations with The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and James Taylor have become some of the most beloved and enduring songs in American music.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
J.D. Souther's legacy is built on his innovative spirit, lyrical depth, and distinctive voice. He embodied the ideals of a true artist: passionate, dedicated, and unafraid to push boundaries. His contributions to popular music are undeniable, and his quotes, lyrics, and writings continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and fans.
As a poet and songwriter, Souther's work continues to captivate audiences with its raw emotion, introspection, and universal themes. His music has become an integral part of American cultural heritage, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
In the words of J.D. Souther himself, "The best songs are the ones that come from the heart, not the head." This philosophy guided his creative journey, resulting in a body of work that is both timeless and timely, reflecting the beauty and complexity of human experience.
Quotes by J. D. Souther
I don't want to think that anything is off limits for me to write about, but I also don't want to intrude on anybody's life, which is why there's very little specificity or names in the songs I write.
I didn't even respect singers until I heard Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.
I don't think I ever thought of growing up to be anything other than a musician. There really wasn't a plan B. Well, a kind of a distant plan B was to be a Formula One driver, but there really wasn't an entry point.
I had given myself a sort of early retirement when I left the scene in 1985. All of the people in my family worked until they dropped, including my father. I decided to take a little time to enjoy life. I traveled, built my dream house, rescued a few dogs. My return to music, and acting, was deliberate, part of my musical arc.
In the '80s, I got tired of the rat race. It was a terrible time for music. I wasn't part of that whole MTV craze. I did 'Go Ahead and Rain,' which was Madeleine Stowe's first bit, but felt no connection to it. I went many years where I didn't have to work.
I had a jazz trio, a rock n' roll band, and I played drums in junior high, high school, college, big bands, and I played timpani in the symphony. I am a drummer. It's the one instrument I actually play pretty well. It's just hard to carry on your back.
I never even held a guitar until I was 23 and living in California, but then loved it. I'm really not an accomplished instrumentalist. Maybe that has something to do with why I write and sing.
I had no idea what those cords were in the bridge of 'Prisoner In Disguise' when I wrote them. I had to go over to Don Gorman, the piano player, and ask what in the world I was playing.
