Eagles pay tribute to recently departed songwriter, collaborator

The Eagles paid a loving tribute to songwriter, collaborator and actor J.D. Souther, who died on Tuesday at the age of 78.

Souther, who co-wrote several songs with the band, died peacefully at home in New Mexico, according to a statement on his official website. It was days before he was due to go on tour with singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff.

The Eagles posted the heartfelt message on Sept. 18, a day after the singer died.

"We have lost a brother, a friend and a brilliant collaborator, and the world has lost a great songwriter, a pioneer of the Southern California sound that emerged in the 1970s," the Eagles wrote. "J.D. Souther was smart, talented, well-read, and in possession of a wicked sense of humour. He loved a good meal, a good movie, and a good Martini ... and he loved dogs, adopting many over the course of his lifetime.

The band continued: "Born in Detroit and raised in the Texas Panhandle, he was a student of the deep roots of the best American music - from country, to jazz, to classical, as well as 'Standards' from the Great American Songbook- and that knowledge and appreciation informed his work.

"He was a crucial co-writer on many of our most popular songs, including, "The Best of My Love," "New Kid in Town," and "Heartache Tonight." J.D. also collaborated on many of Don Henley's solo works, including "The Heart of the Matter," "Little Tin God"If Dirt Were Dollars" and "Talking to the Moon," the group said.

"We mourn his loss and we send our condolences to his family, his friends, and his many fans around the world. He was an extraordinary man and will be greatly missed by many. Adiosold friend. Travel well," the band concluded.

The Eagles' current lineup includes founding singer/drummer Don Henley, guitarist Joe Walsh, bassist Timothy B. Schmit and guitarist/vocalists Deacon Frey and Vince Gill.

Former Eagles guitarist/vocalist Don Felder also posted a tribute , writing, "It is with heavy heart to start the day with the news of JD's passing. The invisible Eagle has left the nest. His writing contribution and vocal contributions to the music industry has been a blessing to the whole world. He will be missed but his songs will live on forever."

Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.

In addition to writing with the band, Souther co-wrote several songs with Linda Ronstadt and worked with Christopher Cross, Dan Fogelberg, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Clannad, and others.

He was also part of Glenn Frey's pre-Eagles country-rock duo Longbranch Pennywhistle, and a member of the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. Souther's biggest solo success was the hit track, "You're Only Lone," which reached the US Top 10 in 1977.

As an actor, his roles included the character of John Dunaway in the TV series "Thirtysomething," and a recurring role as a record producer Watty Wyatt in "Nashville."