JD Souther, the singer and songwriter who co-wrote songs with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, has died. He was 78 years old.

Souther died peacefully at his home in New Mexico, his spokesman said. A cause of death was not given. He was just about to begin a tour with Karla Bonoff.

Souther, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was responsible for some of the Eagles’ biggest hits, including “Best of My Love,” “Victim of Love,” “Heartache Tonight” and “New Kid in Town,” “How Long.” He wrote and duetted with Ronstadt on the classics “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win” and “Hearts Against the Wind.” He also had a successful solo career, writing the hits “You’re Only Lonely” and “Her Town Too,” the latter a duet with Taylor.

He was born John David Souther on November 2, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Amarillo, Texas. He began making music in the local Amarillo scene and his first band was The Cinders, who released a single in 1965 under the name John David and The Cinders.

Souther moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he met and befriended Glenn Frey. Souther and Frey became roommates and musical partners and formed the country-rock band Longbranch Pennywhistle, originally performing under the name John David & Glenn before other members joined the group. Longbranch Pennywhistle released an eponymous album in 1969 under Jimmy Bowen’s Amos Records label.

Through his friendship with Frey, Souther became part of a circle of friends and creative collaborators that included Don Henley and Linda Ronstadt, and he suggested her as a possible member of the Eagles. Although he never joined the band, Souther worked closely with the Eagles and co-wrote some of their most famous songs. From the 26-times platinum-selling Eagles album Hotel CaliforniaSouther co-wrote the songs “New Kid in Town” and “Victim of Love.” On the 1974 album At the borderSouther co-wrote “You Never Cry Like a Lover,” “Best of My Love,” and “James Dean.” And on the 1979 album The long runSouther helped write three songs, including the No. 1 single “Heartache Tonight.”

In the early 1970s, Souther dated singer Linda Ronstadt and wrote a number of songs for her and also co-produced her 1973 album Don’t cry now. For Ronstadt’s follow-up album Heart like a wheelSouther wrote the song “Faithless Love”. He sang many duets with Ronstadt, including the songs “Prisoner in Disguise”, “Sometimes You Can’t Win” and “Hearts Against the Wind”, the latter of which was featured in the 1980 film City cowboy.

Another collaborator was James Taylor and the duo had great success with the 1981 song “Her Town Too,” which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The 1970s were a busy and creative time for Souther. In addition to his work with the Eagles and Ronstadt, he was also a member of the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, along with former Byrds member Chris Hillman and Poco’s Richie Furay.

Although he is known for his collaborations with some of country rock’s biggest stars, Souther also had a successful solo career. His eponymous debut album was released in 1972 on David Geffen’s Asylum Records and included the song “Run Like a Thief,” which was later covered by Bonnie Raitt on her album. Home Plate and the single “How Long,” which was regularly covered by the Eagles at live shows and later featured on the band’s 2007 album The long road from Eden.

Souther’s biggest solo hit was “You’re Only Lonely” from the 1979 album of the same name. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In total, Souther released eight solo albums and one live album. In 2013, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Outside of music, Souther also tried his hand at acting. He appeared sporadically on television, including the shows Mid-thirties, Nashville And purgatory as well as the films Postcards from the edge, My Girl 2 And Deadline.

Souther leaves behind two sisters, his ex-wife and her daughter.