Add a Memory
Make a Donation
J.D. Souther
1945 - 2024
J.D. Souther
1945 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1945
DIED
2024
J.D. Souther Obituary
J.D. Souther was a singer, songwriter, and occasional actor best known for penning hits for The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, including "New Kid in Town" and "Heartache Tonight."
We invite you to share condolences for J.D. Souther in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame)
28 Entries
Paul McIlroy
August 4, 2025
Coming up to a year now since your sudden and shocking passing. We miss you J.D. RIP brother.
Hope Uzz
May 18, 2025
My little brother introduced me to JD Southrer's songs in my early teens. I loved his songs and they were always a staple in our home. "You're only lonely" my fave till today.
We would wake up in the morning playing his cool soul soothing songs while getting ready for school. In the evening after home work, at dinner and before bed, it was either JD Souther's songs and or Linda Ronstadt's.9
I did not know he had passed away until this evening. I remembered him, played his songs on YouTube, while searching for his lyrics, I saw his I death announcement. I couldn't believe it. September 17 2024? Since 8 months ago? Sad!!!
Great guy who gave us soothing love songs, great song writer with meaningful words, singer with a smooth golden voice, performer with class..
Thank you for giving us good music and feeding our souls qwith sheer joy. I will continue to play your songs and keep reminding myself of how your songs 1enriched my young life and still does now that I am older. Thank you and thank you.
Hope Uzz
Carl Hardwick
May 13, 2025
I didn't know JD personally, but with his beautiful voice, I caught myself singing along with him and will miss hearing his songs. God bless him and his family.
Lisa Zachare
May 1, 2025
I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful entertainer and good person. His presence will be missed but not forgotten. His music has touched my life from my childhood to this day. I send love, respect and prayers to his family, friends and business associates. May Jesus be with you in your sorrow. Rest in peace J.D. --Respectfully, Mrs. L. M. Zachare--Tulsa, OK.
How you can show support
Tammy J. Moore
April 22, 2025
It's hard to believe there will be no new music. What a gifted Writer with a very soothing warm voice, a voice that touched my soul. May you Rest In Paradise John David, and be among the angels in the choir. Thank you for what you gave us.
Tammy Moore
Tammy Craft
January 5, 2025
Was so sad to hear of his passing. His song Only Lonely will stay with me forever! RIP sweet man
john hofeling
October 19, 2024
Rip JD. I'm only lonely.
Lou
October 8, 2024
I am sorry for the loss JD Souther's family and friends are going through. May you find peace and love. JD's music touched me and I am grateful for that.
Michael E OBeirne
September 27, 2024
Sorry to hear of his passing; went to his one man show on sept. 7th at Sellersville Theatre; bucks co. PA. Music defined his life; at 78 still bringing joy to us all. Honored to be at one of his last performances; one of the Greats.
I'm Black Rose Widow
September 26, 2024
When I was discouraged that what I had to write for lyrics was different, not what was making it in the music world, jd would encourage me that there was someone out there who felt the same way I did, and I could reach them.
Michael Gafford
September 26, 2024
I knew JD's sister Susan when we were students at Texas Tech in Lubbock. Years later JD and his girlfriend at the time, Linda Ronstadt happened to be staying at The Plaza Hotel where I worked and he came to my desk and we had a lovely conversation. He was humble,down-to-earth, engaging and I will always remember that time.
Karen Littwin
September 25, 2024
He was very kind to me, and when he hugged, he never let go first.
.
The world feels so much emptier now, without him.
David John Sedlak
September 25, 2024
I work in a record store in Albuquerque, where JD leaves outside of, had the pleasure of having many long conversations with him, my name is David John we hit it off the very first minute, he came into the store many times, i looked forward to those days, he shared many things with me about his career and family, really felt like we were friends, he would answer any question that i asked him, i myself was a fan for years so it made it easy to talk to him, he would bring his music to us all the time, he signed my albums, they were many more questions that i wanted to ask him, RIP kind soul, you will be missed by myself, your family and a whole world that cared for you!
Bonnie Beach
September 25, 2024
I remember meeting John David at the Troubador. He was always a gentleman - and I loved his music! He was a brilliant artist and one of the kindest people I´ve ever known. RIP dear friend!
Robert Mayer
September 23, 2024
I'm so sorry. He was such a gentle man. I remember seeing him at McCabe's in Santa Monica about 10 years ago. He was so open to converse with members of the audience. It was as if we were all just sitting in his living room like friends. That's special, besides his wonderful songwriting and longing tender voice.
Deborah Disney
September 23, 2024
The Music inspired and consoled so Many of Us and will continue to , He was A Gift to the World , Sharing the Grief
Faith Del Rio
September 21, 2024
I was shocked to hear he left us such a vibrant gift soul! His. Songs shall live on to comfort us.
BEST OF MY LOVE rest easy
Linda Long
September 21, 2024
I´ve loved John David for many years. Loved his music. He was the best songwriter & singer. RIP my dear friend
Janet Skinner
September 20, 2024
I was heartbroken to hear of your passing. I have been a fan for decades and only wish you would be making music for years to come. Thanks for all the music you left us. RIP, JD.
RB
September 20, 2024
A great song writer whose songs were sung by some of the best. So talented. Heartfelt condolences to the Souther family. May God be with you all in your time of loss.
Rosa
September 19, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. JD's song "You're Only Lonely" helped me in 11/23 forward after I lost my significant other, Frank after 25 years together. I saw JD and sent him flowers on 9/6/24 at Sellerville Theater and even spoke to him for a minute before he hopped into the SUV to go to his next gig in Bethel Woods. I have all his CDs and I play them constantly. A great, great loss fir all of us. Rosa
Alan Johnson
September 19, 2024
Alan Johnson
September 19, 2024
Alan Johnson
September 19, 2024
Alan Johnson
September 19, 2024
Alan Johnson
September 19, 2024
Katherine Bell
September 19, 2024
Among the most classic of classic rock master composers, JD Souther will long be heard. Thanks for the music that still lights our way. Condolences to JD's loved ones.
Elizabeth Bell
September 18, 2024
RIP John Souther
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in J.D. Souther's name
How to support J.D.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor J.D. Souther's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more