While J.D. Souther may have made his biggest impact on the country-rock sound behind the scenes or in a supporting role to some of the bigger pop names of the 70s, he had an impressive and critically acclaimed series of solo albums that have unfortunately all but disappeared from music fans radar.

Born in Detroit, Souther was raised in Amarillo, TX, which may help explain his stylistic roots in both country and rock music. He was in a band called John David and the Senders (also known as the Cinders) while in high school, later relocating to Los Angeles. He worked as a session musician, meeting Glenn Frey and eventually renting a house with him; the two were signed to Amos Records and recorded an album under the name Longbranch Pennywhistle. Southers connections with Frey would prove fruitful later, collaborating on some of the Eagles biggest hit songs like Best of My Love, Heartache Tonight, and New Kid in Town. Previous to forming the Eagles, Frey had also played in Linda Ronstadts band; their collaboration would lead to a long-term working partnership between Souther and Ronstadt. He produced her 1973 album Dont Cry Now and performed background vocals on it. Many of Ronstadts albums would feature Southers songs from then on, and he often performed as a vocalist on them as well. David Geffen encouraged Souther to form the Souther Hillman and Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Ritchie Furay. The trio would record two albums before disbanding in 1975. Southers country-rock style was featured on four critically acclaimed — but not particularly commercially successful — solo albums, 1972s John David Souther, 1976s Black Rose, 1979s Youre Only Lonely, and 1984s Home by Dawn. Frequent label changes plagued Souther, with each new company struggling to promote his music. Between albums, he also worked as a session player with Don Henley and Danny Kortchmar and collaborated with James Taylor on his song Her Town Too, which appeared on Taylors 1981 album. The late 80s brought a bit of a career change for Souther as he garnered acting roles for film and television. He had a recurring role on the television series thirtysomething, as well as roles in two independent films, To Cross the Rubicon and How to Make the Cruelest Month.