J.D. Souther, the singer and songwriter who co-wrote beloved hits for the Eagles, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and other artists who collectively helped define the Southern California country-rock sound of the mid-1970s, has died. He was 78.
The musician and actor (he had memorable roles on TV's "Thirtysomething" and "Nashville") was due to launch a tour next week in Phoenix, AZ.
Earlier this summer saw the deluxe reissue of his 1979 album "You're Only Lonely." Below is my review of that reissue available now.
Artist: JD Souther
Title: You're Only Lonely (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Eagles, Jackson Browne, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band
Tell me more: Originally released in 1979, JD Souther's You're Only Lonely was a nine-track album that featured a number of great original songs, including the bewitching title track which spent five weeks at #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts and was a #7 Pop hit. Now the masterwork has been reissued and is available for the first time in 35 years; the audio CD and digital versions add two previously unissued bonus tracks from the album's original recording sessions. Those not familiar with Souther's stunning talents as a singer, guitarist and songwriter should note that by the time he recorded his Columbia Records debut 45 years ago he had already penned hits for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor. That level of excellence is heard across You're Only Lonely, including the gorgeous ballad "The Last In Love," lovely "White Rhythm and Blues," rollicking "'Til The Bars Burn Down," wistful countrified "The Moon Just Turned Blue," and rocking "Trouble In Paradise."
The previously-unheard bonus tracks are treasures; the smoldering "Ever Faithful Woman" (enhanced by Daniel Kortchmar's stellar guitar work) and an early recording of "Bad News Travels Fast" (the latter would later be recorded for his 1984 Warner Bros. album Home by Dawn) complete the marvelous reissue.
Among the notable guests who appear on the album are Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder, Phil Everly, Frey, Henley, Browne and sax great David Sanborn. A wonderful 16-page booklet includes archival photos and new liner notes from Joe Marchese (The Second Disc) as well as an interview with Souther outlining the recording of the album.
Robert Kinsler
