Episode 3. J.D. Souther

Song Chronicles

Episode 3.

J.D. Souther

Song Chronicles is proud to present its third episode, a conversation with songwriter J.D. Souther.

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, Grammy-nominated Souther has penned countless hits for The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, James Taylor, Don Henley, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, and Brooks and Dunn, and found success as solo artist. J.D.’s latest album Tenderness, produced by Larry Klein, connects “LA’s ‘70s golden age with the Great American Songbook,” writes Uncut, with songs that sound “like standards themselves.”

J.D. Souther and Linda Ronstadt

J.D. Souther and Jackson Browne

Louise first met J.D. when she was a teenager living with her mom, spending a summer in Malibu. Two years later, Louise made her debut album Kid Blue, produced by Danny Kortchmar, at the iconic Sunset Sound Factory at the peak of the California singer-songwriter multi-platinum-selling era. J.D. Souther, Don Henley and Stevie Nicks sang background vocals!

In this conversation that took place July 13, 2019 at John David’s ranch in Nashville, TN, J.D. talks about his early inspiration for his classic songs; his musical upbringing; his latest album, Tenderness; and what it’s like to tour as a solo performer. The conversation feels more like reminiscing between friends than an interview, with wonderful personal stories of many '70s golden era heavyweights: Linda Ronstadt, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Joe Walsh, Emmy Lou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Asher, Waddy Wachtel, Warren Zevon, Don Grolnick, David Sanborn, and more.

early days with Glenn Frey

A passionate animal lover and advocate, J.D. is also involved with Best Friends Animal Society.

with Joe Walsh - photo by Barry Shultz

His classic albums John David Souther, Black Rose, and Home by Dawn have been released as expanded reissues (Omnivore Recordings). As an actor, he has appeared in the TV shows Thirtysomething and Nashville, among others.

*Song Chronicles is a brand new podcast series hosted by Louise Goffin. The complete 32 episodes of The Great Song Adventure podcast hosted by Louise Goffin & Paul Zollo can be found on thegreatsongadventure.com.