The Eagles have paid tribute to JD Sather, who co-wrote the band's hits “Heartache Tonight” and “New Kid in Town,” following the singer-songwriter's death on Tuesday, with the band saying: “He was an extraordinary man and will be sorely missed by so many.”
“We have lost a great brother, friend and colleague, and the world has lost a great songwriter and pioneer of the Southern California sound that emerged in the 1970s,” the Eagles said in a statement posted on their official website.
“J.D. Sather was smart, talented, cultured, and had a great sense of humor. He loved good food, good movies, and good liquor…and he loved dogs, adopting several over the course of his life.”
Souther, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, died at his home in Santa Fe on Tuesday at the age of 78. In addition to helping write Eagles classics, Souther was also a prolific solo artist and occasional performer who also co-wrote tracks for the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor and Don Henley.
Born in Detroit and raised in the Texas Panhandle, he was a student of the deep roots of the best American music – from country to jazz to classical, as well as the “standards” of The Great American Songbook “This knowledge and appreciation has influenced his work,” the band continued.
“He was a key co-writer on many of our most popular songs, including “The Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight.” JD also collaborated on several of Don Henley’s solo works, including “The Heart of the Matter,” “Little Tin God,” “If Dirt Were Dollars,” and “Talking to the Moon.”“
The Eagles concluded their tribute to Sather by saying, “Goodbye old friend, have a nice trip.”
