J.D. Souther (born November 2, 1945) is an influential American singer-songwriter and musician, celebrated for his pivotal role in shaping the country rock genre during the 1970s. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Souther emerged from a musically rich background that fostered his early interest in songwriting and performance. His career was notably intertwined with the Los Angeles music scene, particularly at the Troubadour, where he collaborated with iconic artists such as Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, forming the folk duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle and significantly contributing to the emergence of the California sound. Souther is perhaps best known for his songwriting prowess, having penned numerous hits for himself and others, including the Eagles' classics "Heartache Tonight" and "New Kid in Town." His lyrical depth and emotional resonance have garnered him widespread acclaim, earning him a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. While his early career flourished, Souther took a notable hiatus from the music industry from 1984 to 2008, during which he focused on his personal life and acting roles, including appearances in popular television series like Thirtysomething and Nashville. Despite his withdrawal from the spotlight, Souther's influence remained strong, with his songs recorded by renowned artists like George Strait and Linda Ronstadt, further solidifying his legacy in the music industry.[6] His return to music has been marked by the release of several acclaimed albums and continued touring, reaffirming his status as a vital figure in American music. Souther's career has not been without controversy; he has often expressed ambivalence about the fame and pressures of the music industry, leading to introspective commentary on his life and artistry.[8] His enduring impact on the country rock genre and his collaborations with legendary artists highlight his significance in the evolution of contemporary music. Early Life and Education J.D. Souther was born on November 2, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, but he spent his formative years in Amarillo, Texas . Coming from a musical family, Souther's father, John, was a big band singer who later opened a music store in Amarillo called Texas Musical Instruments. This environment nurtured Souther's early interest in music; he began playing in orchestra during fourth grade with a handmade violin that belonged to his paternal grandmother. By fifth grade, he switched to the clarinet and later took up the drums while attending Tascosa High School[1] . Souther's musical lineage continued with his sister, Susan, who was a choir director and accompanist, along with several other family members who were popular musicians in Amarillo . After graduating from high school, Souther enrolled at Amarillo College, expressing pride in his educational beginnings there. However, he left college to pursue a musical career, traveling to California with a group of fellow Amarillo musicians in a band called The Kitchen Cinq. Although they signed with producer Lee Hazelwood, the band did not achieve significant success in Los Angeles, Souther met Glenn Frey, a fellow musician from Detroit, and they became roommates and collaborators. They performed as a folk duo named Longbranch Pennywhistle, playing at the iconic Troubadour in Hollywood, where many influential artists of the time regularly performed. This experience proved to be a crucial phase in Souther's development as a songwriter and musician, as he described their time there as his "university" of music Career Beginnings JD Souther's career in music began in the vibrant environment of Los Angeles during the 1970s, where he was deeply influenced by the local music scene. He frequented the Troubadour, a legendary venue, which became a formative experience for him. "Hanging out in the bar at the Troubadour with Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne... it was the best study in songwriting I can imagine," Souther recalled, emphasizing the impact of meeting iconic artists such as Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young during this time . It was at this venue that he cultivated his craft, eventually forming the duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle with Frey, which showcased their songwriting abilities and caught the attention of music industry insiders. Souther nearly became a member of the Eagles during the group's formation but recognized after a brief tryout that his inclusion would not be a good fit. Reflecting on this experience, he stated, "I think I was in the band for one day... I figured we were going to keep writing together anyway, so I think we all got the best of that situation. This close association with the Eagles and other musicians solidified his place within the burgeoning country rock genre. While Souther enjoyed collaborating with other songwriters, he also took a step back from the intense demands of touring and recording. In a candid interview, he described taking a lengthy ...
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Sep 18 202421 mins