History of JD Souther in Timeline

John David Souther was a renowned American singer-songwriter and actor, celebrated for his contributions to country rock music. His songwriting prowess is evident in his collaborations with Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles, for whom he penned numerous chart-topping hits. Souther's songwriting credits include iconic tracks like "Best of My Love," "Victim of Love," "Heartache Tonight," and "New Kid in Town" for the Eagles, and "How Long," which was featured on the Eagles' album "Long Road Out of Eden." Souther also achieved success as a solo artist with hits like "You're Only Lonely" and "Her Town Too," a duet with James Taylor.

November 2, 1945: Birth of JD Souther

JD Souther was born on November 2, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan.

1965: Early Recordings with The Cinders

JD Souther's musical journey began in 1965 with The Cinders, a local band based in Amarillo, Texas. They recorded their first single at Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico, marking Souther's entry into the music industry.

March 1969: Marriage to Alexandra Sliwin

JD Souther married Alexandra Sliwin, a member of the musical group Honey Ltd., in March 1969.

1970: Formation of Longbranch Pennywhistle with Glenn Frey

In 1970, JD Souther teamed up with Glenn Frey to form the folk duo Longbranch Pennywhistle. They released their only album together under the same name, marking the beginning of their musical partnership.

1972: Formation of the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band

Following his debut solo album, JD Souther, Chris Hillman, and Richie Furay came together in 1972 to form the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. Despite releasing two albums, the band eventually disbanded due to internal creative differences.

1972: Release of Souther's Debut Album and "How Long"

In 1972, JD Souther released his self-titled debut album, which included the original recording of "How Long." This song would later achieve significant success when covered by the Eagles on their album "Long Road Out of Eden."

1972: Divorce from Alexandra Sliwin

JD Souther's marriage to Alexandra Sliwin ended in divorce in 1972.

1975: Collaboration with Dan Fogelberg on "Captured Angel"

JD Souther collaborated with Dan Fogelberg as the duo Hot Damn Brothers on Fogelberg's 1975 album "Captured Angel." This collaboration showcased their musical chemistry and added a different dimension to Fogelberg's work.

1975: Souther Writes "Run Like a Thief" for Bonnie Raitt

JD Souther's songwriting talents were showcased in 1975 when Bonnie Raitt included his composition, "Run Like a Thief," on her album "Home Plate." This collaboration highlighted Souther's ability to craft songs for other artists.

1976: Vocal Contributions to Christopher Cross and Dan Fogelberg Albums

In 1976, JD Souther lent his vocal talents to Christopher Cross's self-titled debut album, appearing on the song "The Light Is On." He also collaborated with Dan Fogelberg, contributing backing vocals to the songs "False Faces" and "Loose Ends" on Fogelberg's 1976 LP "Nether Lands."

1976: Release of "Black Rose" and Collaboration with Linda Ronstadt

JD Souther's second solo album, "Black Rose," was released in 1976. The album, produced by Peter Asher, is often regarded as one of Souther's finest works and features a notable duet with Linda Ronstadt on the track "If You Have Crying Eyes."

1979: Success of Eagles' "Heartache Tonight"

JD Souther contributed to the Eagles' success with their 1979 hit song "Heartache Tonight." The song, co-written by Souther, Bob Seger, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley, became the band's final chart-topping single on the Billboard Hot 100.

1979: Souther Achieves Solo Success with "You're Only Lonely"

JD Souther's song "You're Only Lonely" from his album of the same name reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart for five weeks in 1979, marking a significant milestone in his solo career.

1980: Collaboration and Relationship with Linda Ronstadt

JD Souther's relationship with Linda Ronstadt extended beyond their musical partnership. He co-produced her album "Don't Cry Now" and wrote songs for several of her multi-platinum albums, including "Faithless Love" and "White Rhythm and Blues." Their duets, such as "Prisoner in Disguise" and "Sometimes You Can't Win," became fan favorites. Notably, their collaboration "Hearts Against the Wind" was featured in the 1980 film "Urban Cowboy."

1981: Collaboration with James Taylor on "Her Town Too"

JD Souther's duet with James Taylor, "Her Town Too," was released in 1981, becoming a hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1987: Collaboration with Roy Orbison and Clannad

JD Souther's musical versatility was evident in his 1987 collaborations. He contributed vocals, performed, and provided vocal arrangements for the iconic "Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night" concert and video. Additionally, he lent his vocals to Irish band Clannad's album "Sirius," further demonstrating his musical range.

1988: Souther Contributes to "Permanent Record" Soundtrack

JD Souther's song "Wishing on Another Lucky Star" was featured on the soundtrack of the 1988 coming-of-age drama "Permanent Record." The song's inclusion in the film introduced Souther's music to a new generation.

1989: Co-writes Don Henley's Hit "The Heart of the Matter"

Don Henley's 1989 hit song "The Heart of the Matter," co-written by JD Souther, further solidified Souther's status as a respected songwriter in the industry. The song's success highlighted his ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics.

1989: Acting Debut in "Thirtysomething"

JD Souther ventured into acting in 1989, taking on the role of John Dunaway in the third season of the television drama "Thirtysomething." This marked his entry into the world of acting.

1989: Film Soundtrack Contributions and Television Theme Song

JD Souther's music reached new audiences in 1989. He performed "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" for Steven Spielberg's film "Always" and wrote the theme song for the sitcom "Anything But Love." His contributions to film and television scores showcased his ability to create memorable melodies for various mediums.

1990: Appearance in "Postcards from the Edge"

In 1990, JD Souther appeared in the film "Postcards from the Edge," directed by Mike Nichols. He played the role of Ted, showcasing his acting skills in a film that explored the complexities of mother-daughter relationships in Hollywood.

1990: Souther Contributes to "Cry-Baby" Soundtrack

JD Souther co-wrote "Doin' Time for Bein' Young" for the soundtrack of John Waters' 1990 musical comedy "Cry-Baby." The song, performed by James Intveld, showcased Souther's versatility in writing for different genres and his ability to capture the spirit of the film's rebellious youth theme.

1999: Appearance as Jesse James in "Purgatory"

In 1999, JD Souther took on the role of the legendary outlaw Jesse James in the television movie "Purgatory." This role showcased his acting range and his ability to portray historical figures.

December 2002: Move to Nashville

JD Souther made a significant life change in December 2002 when he relocated from Hollywood Hills to Nashville, Tennessee. This move reflected his deep connection to the heart of the country music scene.

2004: Marriage to Sarah Nicholson

JD Souther married Sarah Nicholson, originally from Bansha, Ireland, in 2004.

October 14, 2008: Release of "If the World Was You"

JD Souther returned to the music scene in 2008 with his first studio album in almost 25 years, "If the World Was You." The album marked a significant comeback for the singer-songwriter.

2009: Release of Live Album "Rain - Live at the Belcourt Theatre"

In 2009, JD Souther released "Rain - Live at the Belcourt Theatre," a live album capturing his performance at the renowned Nashville venue. The album featured a mix of his classic songs and newer material, showcasing his enduring talent in a live setting.

2010: Divorce from Sarah Nicholson

JD Souther's marriage to Sarah Nicholson ended in divorce in 2010.

May 31, 2011: Release of "Natural History"

JD Souther's album "Natural History," released on May 31, 2011, offered a unique perspective on his songwriting catalog. The album featured reinterpretations of his songs by other artists, providing new interpretations of his well-known works.

October 9, 2012: Release of Live EP "Midnight in Tokyo"

JD Souther continued his musical journey with the release of "Midnight in Tokyo" on October 9, 2012. The EP, recorded live, captured the energy and intimacy of his performances, showcasing his connection with his audience.

October 2012: Recurring Role in "Nashville"

In October 2012, JD Souther landed a recurring role in the first season of the popular country music drama series "Nashville." The show, known for its portrayal of the country music industry and its stars, gave him the opportunity to combine his love for music and acting.

2012: Appearance in the Thriller "Deadline"

JD Souther furthered his acting career with an appearance in the 2012 mystery thriller "Deadline." The film, known for its suspenseful plot, allowed him to explore a different genre in his acting endeavors.

June 14, 2013: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

JD Souther received one of the highest honors in the music industry on June 14, 2013, when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition solidified his legacy as a songwriter who had made significant contributions to American music.

2017: Returns to "Nashville"

JD Souther reprised his role in the country music drama series "Nashville" during a 2017 episode of the show's fifth season, much to the delight of fans who enjoyed his previous appearances.