J.D. Souther: The Unofficial Eagle Who Stayed Solo

J.D. Souther is one of the most influential songwriters in rock and country music, known for his collaborations with major acts like the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt.

While Souther’s name is closely associated with the Eagles—having co-written some of their biggest hits—it’s curious that he never officially joined the band. The reasons behind this decision are rooted in his unique artistic vision, close friendships with the band members, and his desire to maintain creative independence.

Let’s explore the full story behind why J.D. Souther never became a member of the Eagles, despite his immense contribution to their success.

The Beginnings of J.D. Souther & His Connection to the Eagles

John David Souther, born in Detroit in 1945, grew up in Texas, where he cultivated a love for country and rock music. After moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, he quickly immersed himself in the burgeoning Southern California music scene.

It was here that Souther would meet future Eagles members Glenn Frey and Don Henley, two musicians who shared his deep interest in blending rock with country influences.

In 1969, J.D. Souther and Glenn Frey formed the short-lived duo, Longbranch Pennywhistle. Although their self-titled album didn’t achieve commercial success, it solidified a creative partnership between Souther and Frey that would last for decades.

Frey later went on to form the Eagles with Henley, Randy Meisner, and Bernie Leadon, and Souther became an unofficial fifth member of sorts—writing, collaborating, and supporting the band without ever officially joining their ranks.

Why J.D. Souther Was Never an Official Eagle

Despite his strong personal and professional ties to the Eagles, Souther made a conscious decision to remain outside the band.

The primary reason J.D. Souther never joined the Eagles stems from his preference for independence and his self-awareness as a “terrible team player.” In a 2021 interview with American Songwriter, Souther reflected on rehearsing with the Eagles before their formation.

Despite his close collaborations with Glenn Frey and the band’s management’s interest in including him, Souther felt he wasn’t necessary in a group that already had an abundance of vocalists and guitar players. He also admitted that he didn’t like being told what to do, which conflicted with the collaborative nature of a band like the Eagles.

Souther’s decision allowed him to avoid the constraints of being part of a collective and maintain his creative freedom. He preferred staying behind the scenes, writing songs for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and other artists, without the pressures of touring or group dynamics.

His role as a collaborator and songwriter ultimately contributed to both his and the Eagles’ success. Souther embraced his position as an influential, yet independent figure in the music industry, carving out his unique career path rather than joining the iconic group. This choice preserved his individuality while still playing a vital part in shaping the Eagles’ legacy.

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Souther’s Role in the Eagles’ Success

While Souther never officially joined the Eagles, his impact on the band’s music cannot be overstated. As a prolific songwriter, Souther co-wrote several of the Eagles’ most iconic songs, helping to shape the band’s signature sound. Some of his most notable contributions include:

These songs not only helped to define the Eagles’ sound but also solidified Souther’s reputation as one of the top songwriters of the 1970s. Even without being an official member, Souther’s influence on the band’s musical direction was significant.

Souther’s Solo Career and Other Collaborations

While Souther was contributing to the Eagles’ rise, he was also working on his solo career. His second solo album, Black Rose (1976), featured collaborations with artists like Linda Ronstadt and was critically well-received, though it didn’t achieve massive commercial success.

Souther’s solo work was more introspective and jazz-influenced compared to the Eagles’ country-rock sound, allowing him to explore different musical landscapes.

In addition to his solo work, Souther collaborated with other major artists of the time, particularly Linda Ronstadt. Souther wrote several songs for Ronstadt, including hits like “Faithless Love” and “Prisoner in Disguise,” further cementing his role as one of the premier songwriters of the era.

Why His Decision Not to Join the Eagles Was the Right One

Looking back, it’s clear that J.D. Souther’s decision not to join the Eagles was the right one for both his career and the band. By staying on the periphery, Souther was able to maintain his creative independence while still making significant contributions to the Eagles’ music.

His choice also allowed him to explore other musical avenues, including his successful solo career and collaborations with other artists.

Had Souther joined the Eagles, he might have been constrained by the group’s collective identity, potentially stifling his individuality as an artist. Instead, Souther built a career that was uniquely his own, while still playing a key role in the success of one of the most iconic bands of all time.

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The Enduring Friendship Between J.D. Souther and the Eagles

Despite never becoming an official member, Souther’s close relationship with the Eagles continued for decades. He remained particularly close with Glenn Frey until Frey’s passing in 2016.

Souther has spoken fondly of his friendship with Frey, describing it as one of the most important relationships in his life. In interviews, Souther has expressed pride in the work he did with the Eagles, and the mutual respect between him and the band remains evident.

Conclusion

• J.D. Souther’s decision to never join the Eagles is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his desire to remain true to himself as an artist.
• While he could have easily become a member of one of the biggest rock bands in history, Souther chose a different path—one that allowed him to explore his own musical identity while still contributing to the success of the Eagles.
• His influence on the band is undeniable, and his contributions to their music have left an indelible mark on rock history.
• At the same time, Souther’s solo work and collaborations with other artists demonstrate his versatility and depth as a songwriter and musician.
• Today, J.D. Souther is celebrated not just for his work with the Eagles but also for his rich and varied career, which stands as a testament to his talent, integrity, and artistic vision.

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