Man behind songs of the Eagles flies in

As well as a sparkling solo career, his songwriting skills helped put his pals The Eagles in flight.

Founder member of that stella band of west coast musicians Don Henley once remarked: "JD was the primary creative force behind Eagles songs such as The Best of My Love and New Kid in Town."

You couldn't want a better recommendation than that to catch the man when he visits Sheffield later this month.

For JD South is set to embark on a rare tour of the UK and Ireland, which kicks off at Southport Arts Centre next Friday and visits the National Centre for Early Music in York the following day.

But best news for Sheffield music fans is that he will be here in Sheffield, appearing at the Library Theatre on Wednesday, September 26.

As well as The Eagles, JD Souther mixed with all the big names from the country rock scene of the 70s and 80s.

Not leaste of these was Linda Rondstadt whose career benefited greatly from his songwriting abilities.

Having shyed away from media exposure for most of his career, Souther featured heavily in Barney Hoskyns's recent 'Hotel California' book about this scene and also in the subsequent BBC4 documentary of the same name. Both book and documentary stressed the importance that JD played within this movement and as a result, he is now beginning to receive the critical acclaim that he truly deserves.

In the last 40 years Souther has continued to be an important figure behind the scenes and has written songs for and with many musical icons including Bob Dylan and James Taylor.

His obvious flair for songwriting aside though, he maintains his identity as a performer in his own right with an impressive array of solo material.

John David Souther is at Sheffield's Library Theatre on Wedenesday, Sept 26 (tickets; 0114 278 9789 www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk)nHarvey Andrews pays a welcome return to South Yorkshire on Monday, at the Regent Hotel, Regent Square Doncaster.

He has produced 15 albums of his own songs, many of which have been recorded by other artists, and appeared at many festivals. The lyrics of one of his songs were used in course work for the national G.C.S.E. English language examination. Another lyric was included in the Oxford University Book of English Traditional Verse. Doors are always open at 7.30 pm for an 8.15 pm start.

The following week (Sep 24), there is a Club Night designed to hand the stage over to the young and upcoming, the lapsed performer, or the musician who needs to practice his or her art in front of a live and appreciative audience. Not open mic nights - these are designed for people to listen and encourage.

COOPE, Boyes and Simpson bring their acapella magic to the Attic Folk Club, Club Chesterfield, Ashgate Road, tonight (Sep 14). Support comes from Fixed Abode.

KATE Rusby is at Sheffield City Hall tomorrow night (Sep 15).

Jonathan Kelly, one of the folk scene's original singer-songwriters who, sadly, shied away from performing for several years. is back in full voice and can be seen at the Rock@Maltby, Wesley Centre, Blyth Road, Maltby, next Friday (Sep 21). Tonight's guest will be Bob Fox.