A central figure in the Southern California rock scene of the 1970s, he later had a regular role on the TV show “Nashville.”

J.D. Souther, a legendary singer and songwriter with roots with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, plus later Nashville success, has died at age 78.

Souther, who died in his sleep at his New Mexico home, was 78 years old. Souther, an inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, wrote and recorded songs with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt. Souther had two major hits as a solo artist: "You're Only Lonely,