Eagles Pay Tribute to J.D. Souther During Their Debut

The Eagles honored their longtime friend and collaborator J.D. Souther during their debut performance at Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday, September 20. This special tribute came just three days after Souther’s passing.

Don Henley, one of the founding members of the band, took a moment during the concert to remember Souther before performing “Heartache Tonight,” a song that Souther co-wrote for the Eagles.

In Henley’s emotional address to the crowd, he expressed how significant Souther was to the band and their music.

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The Tribute at Sphere: Honoring a Songwriting Legend

During the Eagles’ first-ever show at the new Sphere venue, Don Henley paused to acknowledge both Jimmy Buffett and J.D. Souther, two musicians closely linked to the band’s history. He opened by referencing Buffett, another friend of the band who had recently passed away, before turning his focus to Souther.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge a couple of people,” Henley said.

“J.D. Souther, who helped us write many of our biggest hits, passed away three days ago. Though he wasn’t an official member of the Eagles, he played a major role in our success.”

As the audience applauded, Henley encouraged them to sing “Heartache Tonight” louder, as a way to honor Souther’s memory. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, filling the venue with their voices.

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J.D. Souther’s Influence on the Eagles

J.D. Souther was more than just a collaborator for the Eagles; he was a close friend and a songwriting partner for several members, especially Glenn Frey. In fact, before the Eagles even came together, Souther and Frey released an album in 1970 under the name Longbranch Pennywhistle.

When the Eagles formed the following year, Souther was originally invited to join the band as a full member. However, during a performance for their management team, Souther quickly realized that his place wasn’t in the band itself.

“To be honest, they didn’t need me,” Souther shared in a 2018 interview.

“They were already a well-rounded band, so it made more sense for me to stay on the songwriting side. We kept collaborating, and I think that worked out best for everyone.”

This decision turned out to be the right one, as Souther became a key figure behind some of the band’s biggest songs. These include timeless hits like:

• “Best of My Love”
• “James Dean”
• “New Kid in Town”
• “Heartache Tonight”

Souther also found success in his solo career, with his biggest hit being “You’re Only Lonely” in 1979. He later collaborated with James Taylor on the 1981 song “Her Town Too.”

JD Souther Dead: Songwriter and Eagles Collaborator Was 78
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J.D. Souther’s Career Beyond the Eagles

Souther’s talent went far beyond his collaborations with the Eagles. He also worked closely with his former girlfriend, singer Linda Ronstadt, writing several of her hit songs.

Their relationship not only influenced his writing but also connected him to other artists in the country-rock scene of the 1970s and ’80s.

Alongside his songwriting, Souther also pursued a solo music career, achieving some personal success. His 1979 single “You’re Only Lonely” climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, highlighting his talent for creating music that connected with a broad audience.

He followed this up with a duet alongside James Taylor, titled “Her Town Too,” which charted in 1981.

Despite his success as a solo artist, Souther is best remembered for his behind-the-scenes work with bands like the Eagles. His songwriting contributions earned him a special place in rock and roll history, even if he wasn’t officially part of the band.

The Impact of “Heartache Tonight” and Souther’s Lasting Influence

One of Souther’s most notable contributions to the Eagles’ discography is the song “Heartache Tonight,” which became a chart-topping hit in 1979.

The song was co-written by Souther, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bob Seger. Its infectious, stomping beat and sing-along chorus helped make it a fan favorite.

Souther’s lyrical storytelling and ability to connect with audiences through emotional, relatable songs were a perfect match for the Eagles’ unique blend of country and rock. His input, even from behind the scenes, shaped the band’s sound during their most successful years.

While Souther chose not to be an official member, his relationship with the band remained close throughout the years. This bond was reflected in the heartfelt tribute during the Sphere debut.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from the Eagles’ Tribute to J.D. Souther

• Deep Collaboration: J.D. Souther was a key collaborator for the Eagles, co-writing several of their most famous songs, even though he wasn’t an official band member.
• A Lasting Legacy: His contributions extended beyond the Eagles to other artists like Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, cementing his place in the music industry.
• Emotional Farewell: The Eagles’ tribute to Souther at the Sphere debut was heartfelt and demonstrated the deep respect they had for him, both as a friend and a songwriter.
• Timeless Influence: Souther’s work continues to resonate, reminding fans of his talent and lasting impact on the Eagles’ success.

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