Eagles have released a statement honoring J.D. Souther, their cowriter and collaborator who died on Tuesday at the age of 78.

“We have lost a brother, a friend and a brilliant collaborator, and the world has lost a great songwriter, a pioneer of the Southern California sound that emerged in the 1970s,” the band’s message began. “J.D. Souther was smart, talented, well-read, and in possession of a wicked sense of humor. He loved a good meal, a good movie, and a good Martini … and he loved dogs, adopting many, over the course of his lifetime.”

The Eagles went on to detail Souther’s journey from Detroit to Texas and, eventually, Los Angeles. The band described the songwriter as “a student of the deep roots of the best American music,” whose “knowledge and appreciation informed his work.”

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“He was a crucial cowriter on many of our most popular songs, including, ‘The Best of My Love,’ ‘New Kid in Town,’ and ‘Heartache Tonight,’” the Eagles continued, adding that Souther also contributed to many of Don Henley’s solo albums.

“He was an extraordinary man and will be greatly missed by many,” the band said at the close of their tribute. “Adios, old friend. Travel well.”

The Eagles full statement can be found here.

Don Felder Pens Heartfelt Tribute to J.D. Souther

In a separate post, Don Felder — the guitarist who was in the Eagles from 1974–1980, and again from 1994–2001 — shared his own tribute to Souther.

“The invisible Eagle has left the nest,” Felder declared, alongside a black and white image of Souther sharing the stage with the Eagles in 1979. “His writing contribution and vocal contributions to the music industry has been a blessing to the whole world. He will be missed but his songs will live on forever. Rest in peace my friend.”

J.D. Souther’s Eagles Legacy

Souther first began working with Glenn Frey prior to the Eagles. When the group formed in 1971, he was invited to join, but quickly determined the fit wasn’t right. Instead, Souther became a frequent collaborator with the group, co-writing several of their most beloved hits.

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In 2013, Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Though he never achieved the same name recognition as official Eagles band members, he always appreciated his place in the group’s history.

“There was definitely a period of time where people would occasionally say to me, ‘Doesn’t it piss you off that the Eagles have these big hits off your songs?’” the songwriter remarked during a 2008 interview. “I would usually start saying, ‘Would you like to see the checks?’”