Ever notice that guys like Croce could deliver live every bit as well as in the studio even with the crude sound equipment available in the early 70s? No tricks, no gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors, no dog and pony show, just pure talent. Good times.
No doubt. That innocence in his voice and the authenticity in his demeanor are rare traits in musicians. Of course that's why we're all here paying tribute and hoping his music will stay alive for many more generations to come.
I'm amazed at his dexterity on the fretboard. I was just playing along with Jim without a capo on 'I got a name' and it's a serious workout! But to top it off he's singing sooo melodically too. Genius + passion = Croce
Man braucht dafür halt auch nix außer einer halbwegs vernünftigen Gitarre und ein Mikro - der Rest ist Spielen und Singen. So einfach kann es sein - wenn man's kann 🙂
@@brianwalsh6666 Jim was a great player, but Muary was off the charts great. He is one of the finest acoustic players i have ever heard. If you just listen to his accompanist playing, it makes the song.
A man whose integrity cost him his life. He went to Natchitoches to fulfill a previously scheduled concert obligation. A concert he had scheduled before his “over night success”. Many would have not honored that obligation but Jim was not that kind of man. We will never know what he would have done with the rest of his life. I only wish he had had the chance to live to a ripe old age. Thank you for the music Jim. I will always wonder what might have been.
@@stdpozer Didn't the pilot(57 y/o)...have a heart attack? That's what I read. Was it something else that caused the crash? Nothing surprises me in this evil world.
Actually, i heard from a very reliable source that there was a drug bust earlier that day on Jims plane! The police found pot of course and a bunch of pills. Not to upset the college folk they allowed him to do the show but afterwards he was supposed to turn himself in, instead he made a run for it. He was seen running to his plane after the show only to find out that the cops had emptied the fuel from the plane. They tried to take off fast but the plane only had enough fuel to take off!
william rasp what a revelation! it would explain why he had no money ever. however, we won't need to worry about any regular habits of a dead man. nobody can take the music from him. that is the main thing.
Croce was one of the top 5 singer songwriters of the best era in music. He is right there with Denver, Lightfoot, Taylor and Chapin. God I miss those days.
You just named the best of the best in the singer/songwriter genre, all featuring beautiful acoustic guitar work and poetic, evocative, haunting lyrics. Nothing glitzy or flashy, just pure, simple talent.
Skill=hours of dedicated practice. Unfortunately, talent does not eliminate the work; talent is the special heart and mind that performs differently from others.
@@turtleislandlac1490 The show aired July 1973. The Helen Reddy Show was a summer replacement for the Flip Wilson Show and only aired in 1973 and its final episode aired August 16, 1973
Is it a normal for me a 23 yr old boy listening this lovely songs of jim? I dont know how but i really love listening old musics made by heart and soul ❤
It’s weird for you to ask if it’s normal. People listen to screamo lol I did and have you heard the lick my pussy rap shit by the chick rappers these days people love that. It’s only normal to enjoy music of all tunes and sounds. Btw 24yr old been listening to Jim for years he’s one of the best to ever do it. It would not be normal if you didn’t listen to him haha
It's so sad that Jim struggled financially throughout his life while today's top musicians make millions with not even 1% of the talent that Jim had. Marty too, unfortunate that he is not talked about more, coming up with a lot of the great guitar licks for Jims songs. Great duo, still miss them
And even more disconcerting is the fact that his widow, Ingrid, and one-year-old blind son, AJ, were left to fend for themselves, while the record companies laughed all the way to the bank!
did they really laugh all the way to the bank? i read these comments and smirk, maybe the people today do not have talent, but guess what, people are paying for it, so maybe not trash someones ability.
This was actually aired in 1973 and I remember watching it. It was Helen Reddy's summer replacement show for Flip Wilson after her huge success and Grammy Award for "I Am Woman". It obviously a typo error that put it as 1974 when it was actually 1973.
Man, I wish Jim Croce was still with us! I was just a little kid when he died but I grew up with his influence. I put him up there with Hank Williams!! Love this guy's music!!
Steve Endicott I was just six when he died but I remember hearing it on the radio in the car when it happened. I loved the song Leroy Brown and my Dad and I would sing it and rock out down the highway. First pop/rock song I recall liking. I didn't understand when Dad explained that he was dead. What do mean? He's singing on the radio right now! RIP Mr Croce. You are part of an important childhood memory for me.
When I was very young riding my 20” Stingray Bicycle from the Chit Factory to DevilsHole State Park along the trails of the NiagaraFalls Gorge I carried my bike up the stairs to top of gorge and rode my bike down Lewiston Road to Main Street to Portage Road and Jim was sitting on a chair playing his Guitar and Singing outside a car wash and as a car wash pulling out of the car wash he got up and placed his guitar on the chair and asked me to keep my eye on it. When he finished wiping the water off he sat back down and playing and singing again I then said your Good are you famous He replied “I wish” I then said you will be just keep singing Then quite a few years later I went home from high school for lunch and as I’m eating it I’m watching the 12 o’clock news and they reported a Jim Croce has died in a plane crash and show his face and I said to myself that’s the guy at the car wash. And in the song “working at the car wash Blues” Jim sings about NiagaraFalls yup that’s where I had my very first open air single personal Concert by Jim Croce era 1964
Not only that but I'm surprised that a younger person like yourself appreciates this.....and then leaves a good comment thanking his grandad. Kudos to you Zach.
Stay on this path young man but never overlook talent in your age group. Stay versatile. Check out these also...The Stray Cats and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. Expand your horizons!
I've read that Maury, Jim's shy singing partner/lead guitarist, positively influenced Jim's songwriting. They both were very talented in their own right, but together they were magic.
Thank you for posting this. I knew Jim Croce passed away in September of 1973. It turns out this episode actually aired July 19, 1973 (I looked it up). I don't know where you found this, but thank you for sharing it because this is definitely a priceless video.
Oh thanks for that. WHen I Googled Jim Croce I noticed at the bottom it said "people also look for..." Maury. And then when I was watching the videos I noticed how good he was and wondered what his name was and what happened to him. (Sad all 'round) But thanks for putting it together for me.
Maury Muehleison was a phenomenal guitar player! As a big Croce fan from 72, i have listened and watched MM play, and his skill and technique were off the charts ! Tragic to lose two great talents!
Such a tragic loss to music and the world as a whole. One of the greatest songwriters in history. You can envision characters and things in everything Jim wrote. He is gone but certainly not forgotten.
Do not stop. Dig deep inside yourself and always stay in touch with the feelings good music of any genre evokes in your spirit. Fill your soul with music..to me, the best religion is songs that move me to where I feel something ethereal...no other context needed to know something great is occurring when you hear them.
@@sarazivkovic2211 That's great, Sara....another one of the greats was Harry Chapin....very moving lyrics and music and, unfortunately, died way too young. Also John Stewart...his early stuff like the California Bloodlines album he did ~1970 and a couple albums after. People used to say there was something magical about that album.
Rock Shorts. saw Jim one time around 1971 at balboa park, San Diego Ca.. I was with a friend and as we were walking in the park, we saw a group of people walking all in one direction. We wondered what the commotion was all about so we followed to see what was going on. Well, much to my surprise there was Jim Croce with his side kick both holding guitars. I couldn't believe my eyes. He was telling stories about the songs that inspired him to write his songs. WOW what a treat. After telling his stories he would sing the song. What a down to earth person he was and how tragic how short his life was cut. I'll never forget this for as long as I live.
Jim was one of those shooting stars that shine so bright. Their beauty and brilliance is mesmerizing, but so fleeting that just when you begin to appreciate them, they are suddenly gone and you are left to realize you have seen something very special that you will probably never see again.
Impossible in 1974! Jim Croce died in an airplane on September 20 1973 and the Midnight Special was a live tv show. Jim Croce was and still is my favorite singer. I was 15 years old when he passed away. I was awed and shocked when I heard about his passing. Only a 30 year old Dad
May God continue to bless Jim Croce and now Helen Reddy as I am sure they are playing together in heaven. I visited Jim‘s grave Mother’s Day as he is buried in the same cemetery as my parents.
I Really HOPE that Someday, They(Hollywood) make a Movie of His Life and Tragic end. JIM CROCE was/Is still One in a Million. Such a Great Singer/Songwriter. He would Still Be a Star Now if He had Lived. No Doubt in My Mind.
now listen,since you mention this. I remember in the '80's I watched a movie, kind of fantasy island tpye of movie. People arrived at an island for vacation, now this is weird, first I saw that movie in SPANISH, I I remember a phrase I heard on the movie "a life without dreams is real inferno" then the most important thing, the visitors, each of them had his story to tell, for instance a couple breaking up, but the most important thing, there was a singer among the visitors, and at one point during the movie, one of the visitors becomes suspicious about where they might be exactly, and somehow he mentions that it was so weird, just before they got on board of the plane he had heard on the news that THE ARTIST in the trip had died in a plane crash. I remember this movie so clearly, as if it was yesterday, I also remember I compared the movie at that time with Eagles' Hotel California. Furthermore, I have been looking for that movie in places we could not detail here, but we all imagine, and NOTHING. Like if it was all a dream. As a matter of fact, a couple weeks ago I went into some website, in its blog there was a discussion, and I posted my request there. Strange how sometimes we might continue looking for something for years, and never give up. Just like Jim's music, it was so great back then and it is even better today.
I cannot imagine how many more great songs this guy would have written had he not died in that plane crash. So tragic and sad! I LOVE his music...especially his ballads!
It’s funny. I’ve listened to all his music. Bought all his albums. But until this video, I don’t think I ever heard him talk. Very strange. Gave me goosebumps.
+Jack Dingler True. Seriously like fuck these greedy fucks. Even until now it happens but in terms of legal cases in courts etc. It's really sad that musicians are being exploited like this so bad.
He didn't do it for the money, baby. The record labels will not be remembered. But Jim will. Remember that. Its about glory, honor, love, compassion for the craft.
Legend...The fact that he is not in the R&R Hall of Fame while so many others with far less impact shows you how the hall is a sham driven by greed and music business insider b.s. He had 8 top 40 hits in less than 3 years for crying out loud!
My buddy told me him and some other kids used you go listen to Jim play on his front porch when he was a kid, years before Jim made it big. Excellent memories
Yes, The Helen Reddy Show was a summer replacement for The Flip Wilson Show on NBC, to fill the time slot before what would be the final season of Wilson’s variety show. This episode aired on July 19, 1973.
Jimmy died before i was even born..i so would have loved to have met the guy..he came across as a humble fella who would give ya the shirt off his back n he never really gets the credit he deserved to get..i would rate this fella in the top 10 solo performers from the 70s n sadly we will never know how much further he could have gone..unfortunately his "humble" personality cost him his life in the end ( and mauries as well) R.I.P jim n maurie😍😍😍
My Fiance had a interesting story about Jim Croce,,, She worked at Charley Browns across from the Theatre in the Round on Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills CA.. It was closing time and in walks this guy asking if someone would mind going to a show with Eddie Gormet and Steve Lawrence to help fill the audience more.. She said sure she would enjoy that.....So she went and guess who was the opening Act? Yep a guy with a guitar a stool and a spotlight on him she said she was amazed at the music this man sang. Rolled up sleeves and such a stage presence it was Jim Croce...We enjoy the fact that he is a favorite of both of ours gone to soon but what he left us is incredible RIP Heavens Gain is our Loss
David/Bev Lothridge This is a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing. I ended up on a drunken rabbit trail from FB to CZcams. Ironically sobering thoughts. I was born in 1974. Amazing via technology to see and hear things before I was a twinkle in my parents' eye.
Maury was with Jim through thick and thin..a fantastic guitar player and backup to Croce. How sad that both perished in that terrible plane crash before they really hit the big time. As Jack Dingler said below, Croce's recording company made millions, mostly posthumously...I just hope Jim's wife got a share.
He was a great singer and songwriter. He had some big hits about the time I graduated from high school. Listening to him now reminds me of those good old days...
amazing performance by a legendary performer. "I got a name" is the only song that he recorded that he didn't write, but when he heard the song, it made him feel closer to his father so he agreed to sing it. The songwriters, Fox & Gimbel, wrote another big hit that very year, "Killing Me Softly With His Song", which won the Grammy.
I was 19 year's old in the summer of 1973.by the way the best summer in my lifetime and I was born and raised in Chicago so BADBAD LEROY BROWN always brings me back great memories
He was a story teller extraordinaire who could put words to music making his music come to life. Came from a working man's family and graduated from college. We were all thankful he choose music over engineering career.
Jim worked a lot of jobs in his short life too. He climbed telephone poles and was a wire man in The Army, he drove a truck, taught young ladies and gentlemen with behavioral issues, and sang in many bars on weekends, sometimes performing behind a chicken wire screen to keep him and Maury safe from the glass beer bottles and steins that might be thrown their way during the inevitable barroom fight. He mentioned using his guitar as a shield to protect him from flying debris. He also mentioned how his students kicked the crap out of the old Volkswagen Bug he used to drive. It was so badly dented in, he called it "The Raisin", if I remember correctly. I heard his son, A. J. tell that story about his dad somewhere. It's so sad that A. J. was just a baby, I think about two years old, when Jim died. What a shame. I heard A. J. sing a tune that he wrote where he said something to God about not taking him away too early, "'Cause I'm not ready!" I thought that was too cute. I guess he just wanted to make sure that God knew about his preferences. Good plan! 👍👏🙏😁
I remember living in Hawaii in the 70's and 80's and his songs fit right in with Kalapana ,Cecilio and Kapono, and Olomana to name a few legends of Hawaii.
Man he died before my time, but i fully appreciate his music, he had a knack for story telling life like it was. He was as real as a musical artist could get, and didnt let it go to his head. Carry on Jim croce, you got a name.
Ever notice that guys like Croce could deliver live every bit as well as in the studio even with the crude sound equipment available in the early 70s? No tricks, no gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors, no dog and pony show, just pure talent. Good times.
No doubt. That innocence in his voice and the authenticity in his demeanor are rare traits in musicians. Of course that's why we're all here paying tribute and hoping his music will stay alive for many more generations to come.
I'm amazed at his dexterity on the fretboard. I was just playing along with Jim without a capo on 'I got a name' and it's a serious workout! But to top it off he's singing sooo melodically too. Genius + passion = Croce
Man braucht dafür halt auch nix außer einer halbwegs vernünftigen Gitarre und ein Mikro - der Rest ist Spielen und Singen. So einfach kann es sein - wenn man's kann 🙂
Yes just pure clean music......
@@brianwalsh6666 Jim was a great player, but Muary was off the charts great. He is one of the finest acoustic players i have ever heard.
If you just listen to his accompanist playing, it makes the song.
Jim Croce would have turned 80 years old this past January. RIP Jim and Maury.
A man whose integrity cost him his life. He went to Natchitoches to fulfill a previously scheduled concert obligation. A concert he had scheduled before his “over night success”. Many would have not honored that obligation but Jim was not that kind of man. We will never know what he would have done with the rest of his life. I only wish he had had the chance to live to a ripe old age. Thank you for the music Jim. I will always wonder what might have been.
yes, you do understand that way to go sorry!
it's still a pilot error.......
@@stdpozer Didn't the pilot(57 y/o)...have a heart attack? That's what I read. Was it something else that caused the crash? Nothing surprises me in this evil world.
Actually, i heard from a very reliable source that there was a drug bust earlier that day on Jims plane! The police found pot of course and a bunch of pills. Not to upset the college folk they allowed him to do the show but afterwards he was supposed to turn himself in, instead he made a run for it. He was seen running to his plane after the show only to find out that the cops had emptied the fuel from the plane. They tried to take off fast but the plane only had enough fuel to take off!
william rasp what a revelation! it would explain why he had no money ever. however, we won't need to worry about any regular habits of a dead man. nobody can take the music from him. that is the main thing.
Croce was one of the top 5 singer songwriters of the best era in music. He is right there with Denver, Lightfoot, Taylor and Chapin. God I miss those days.
I think he is the best poetic song writer ever, his lyrics flow like nobody else's...
Me too
Amen.
You just named the best of the best in the singer/songwriter genre, all featuring beautiful acoustic guitar work and poetic, evocative, haunting lyrics. Nothing glitzy or flashy, just pure, simple talent.
God didn't give Jim much in the looks department, but more than compensated for it with a double blessing of talent.
Talent. No autotune necessary. Just pure skill and god given ability. Thank you for the music.
Good I hate auto tune so fake
@@deannasutterfield5950it has its purpose but these artists turn the setting to 100% to cover every bit of talent they lack.
Skill=hours of dedicated practice. Unfortunately, talent does not eliminate the work; talent is the special heart and mind that performs differently from others.
God never did my practice for me, or for anyone else. Croce did that on his own...God tells you not to give up, but believe in yourself!
Why dont artists today sound like this? Folk music should still be here. I miss those days for sure
There are great folk artists out there. You just have to look
Jim Croce wrote so many masterpieces. It is so cool that AJ, his son, is also massively talented.
OMG Jim Croce is beyond amazing and legendary!!! 💯% Please stay safe friend!😀
He overrated
@@stellviahohenheim You are just Useless & Sad 😔
@@stellviahohenheim you don't know nothing about music!
I would have loved too see how many more masterpieces he would have recorded!
I'm glad that Helen Reddy was able to bring Jim back for this "1974" performance, since he died in 1973. i didn't know she had that kind of talent!
Could it have been recorded in 73 and then aired in 74?
@@turtleislandlac1490someone else commented that this aired 7/19/1973, two months prior to the tragic crash that took Jim and Maury.
I came for this comment
@@turtleislandlac1490 The show aired July 1973. The Helen Reddy Show was a summer replacement for the Flip Wilson Show and only aired in 1973 and its final episode aired August 16, 1973
Ahh, the days of the real musicians.
Maury.....just incredible...dont forget about him!!!
Maury could not been a more perfect partner/backing, both guitar and vocals. They always nailed their harmonies and chops perfectly!
The ironic thing is Jim used to back Maury in HIS career. When Jim's career started taking off they reversed roles
Loved the Helen Reddy show when I was kid!
Along with Tony Orlando & Dawn, and Sonny & Cher.
Saw both Tony Orlando and Sonny and Cher shows in Hollywood in the 70's...!!! Never forgot it.
This man's catalogue is the soundtrack of my childhood 🥺
No auto tune there. No lip syncing. Just guys that could deliver. Anytime. Anywhere.
100% correct!!!! Music these days(2022) is pure garbage.
Is it a normal for me a 23 yr old boy listening this lovely songs of jim?
I dont know how but i really love listening old musics made by heart and soul ❤
23 year old dude checking in, jim is the man
@@adamwatts200024 here, fully agree
It’s weird for you to ask if it’s normal. People listen to screamo lol I did and have you heard the lick my pussy rap shit by the chick rappers these days people love that. It’s only normal to enjoy music of all tunes and sounds. Btw 24yr old been listening to Jim for years he’s one of the best to ever do it. It would not be normal if you didn’t listen to him haha
What a dumb comment.
Yes, if you have good taste in music.
Man it's been half a century, and theres still nobody as cool as Jim
It's so sad that Jim struggled financially throughout his life while today's top musicians make millions with not even 1% of the talent that Jim had. Marty too, unfortunate that he is not talked about more, coming up with a lot of the great guitar licks for Jims songs. Great duo, still miss them
He got ripped off by the record company,
And even more disconcerting is the fact that his widow, Ingrid, and one-year-old blind son, AJ, were left to fend for themselves, while the record companies laughed all the way to the bank!
did they really laugh all the way to the bank? i read these comments and smirk, maybe the people today do not have talent, but guess what, people are paying for it, so maybe not trash someones ability.
100% correct.
You’ve got that right
This was actually aired in 1973 and I remember watching it. It was Helen Reddy's summer replacement show for Flip Wilson after her huge success and Grammy Award for "I Am Woman". It obviously a typo error that put it as 1974 when it was actually 1973.
Obviously, because they didn't walk this earth anymore in 1974.
Thank you Dad for introducing me to real music young.
I wish... I wish... these days could come back ...
Jim was so prolific, making so much music in only a few years
Man, I wish Jim Croce was still with us! I was just a little kid when he died but I grew up with his influence. I put him up there with Hank Williams!! Love this guy's music!!
Totally agree, wish he could stay with us a little longer.
Steve Endicott me too!😢
Steve Endicott I was just six when he died but I remember hearing it on the radio in the car when it happened. I loved the song Leroy Brown and my Dad and I would sing it and rock out down the highway. First pop/rock song I recall liking. I didn't understand when Dad explained that he was dead. What do mean? He's singing on the radio right now! RIP Mr Croce. You are part of an important childhood memory for me.
Steve Endicott Agree!! Jim's idol was Gordon Lightfoot, need I say more? Both great poetic songwriters...
When I was very young riding my 20” Stingray Bicycle from the Chit Factory to DevilsHole State Park along the trails of the NiagaraFalls Gorge I carried my bike up the stairs to top of gorge and rode my bike down Lewiston Road to Main Street to Portage Road and Jim was sitting on a chair playing his Guitar and Singing outside a car wash and as a car wash pulling out of the car wash he got up and placed his guitar on the chair and asked me to keep my eye on it. When he finished wiping the water off he sat back down and playing and singing again
I then said your Good are you famous
He replied “I wish”
I then said you will be just keep singing
Then quite a few years later I went home from high school for lunch and as I’m eating it I’m watching the 12 o’clock news and they reported a Jim Croce has died in a plane crash and show his face and I said to myself that’s the guy at the car wash.
And in the song “working at the car wash Blues” Jim sings about NiagaraFalls yup that’s where I had my very first open air single personal Concert by Jim Croce era 1964
Michael Orzolick that’s an incredible memory. Wow.
That’s a great story friend!..what a Memory too have. 🙂
He was a story teller in his songs. I can thank my dad and grandfather for me listening to old music like this, cause I'm only 14.
Very wise father and grand dad you have.
Not only that but I'm surprised that a younger person like yourself appreciates this.....and then leaves a good comment thanking his grandad. Kudos to you Zach.
Stay on this path young man but never overlook talent in your age group. Stay versatile. Check out these also...The Stray Cats and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. Expand your horizons!
You just keep listening to them and you will turn out to be a fine lad.
Zach i agree , and I'm only 58
I've read that Maury, Jim's shy singing partner/lead guitarist, positively influenced Jim's songwriting. They both were very talented in their own right, but together they were magic.
Thank you for posting this. I knew Jim Croce passed away in September of 1973. It turns out this episode actually aired July 19, 1973 (I looked it up). I don't know where you found this, but thank you for sharing it because this is definitely a priceless video.
loved his music always playing on the radio.
Maury was an amazing guitarist let's not forget.
And a very talented songwriter in his own right.
odieyama what a duo they were.
Not much a harmony singer, though. He just hit the same note in his head voice.
Oh thanks for that. WHen I Googled Jim Croce I noticed at the bottom it said "people also look for..." Maury. And then when I was watching the videos I noticed how good he was and wondered what his name was and what happened to him. (Sad all 'round) But thanks for putting it together for me.
Yes let us not forget. 👍🍁🇨🇦
Maury Muehleison was a phenomenal guitar player! As a big Croce fan from 72, i have listened and watched MM play, and his skill and technique were off the charts ! Tragic to lose two great talents!
Maury released one album on his own (before he backed Jim) called "Gingerbread" on Capitol Records
I was 10 years old and sang Jim Croces song in my Mothers 1972 Chevy....i am 57, and i yearn for those days and the music!
Jim Croce is so endearing and he just had that natural sincere way of song making. The world will never see another one like him.
I Got A Name is my favourite song from Jim Croce. Reminds me of my father who passed away when I was 5.
Such a tragic loss to music and the world as a whole. One of the greatest songwriters in history. You can envision characters and things in everything Jim wrote. He is gone but certainly not forgotten.
So true
I can’t believe that someone could dislike this, I’m only 19 years old, and I really like listening to this music.
Do not stop. Dig deep inside yourself and always stay in touch with the feelings good music of any genre evokes in your spirit. Fill your soul with music..to me, the best religion is songs that move me to where I feel something ethereal...no other context needed to know something great is occurring when you hear them.
Eric Ricci thank you so much, I will definitely keep exploring new music.
@@sarazivkovic2211 That's great, Sara....another one of the greats was Harry Chapin....very moving lyrics and music and, unfortunately, died way too young. Also John Stewart...his early stuff like the California Bloodlines album he did ~1970 and a couple albums after. People used to say there was something magical about that album.
If one does not live in their heart, they will not like this...
Rock Shorts. saw Jim one time around 1971 at balboa park, San Diego Ca.. I was with a friend and as we were walking in the park, we saw a group of people walking all in one direction. We wondered what the commotion was all about so we followed to see what was going on. Well, much to my surprise there was Jim Croce with his side kick both holding guitars. I couldn't believe my eyes. He was telling stories about the songs that inspired him to write his songs. WOW what a treat. After telling his stories he would sing the song. What a down to earth person he was and how tragic how short his life was cut. I'll never forget this for as long as I live.
Sweet songs.. great stories and a fabulous Soul 🌸
Jim was one of those shooting stars that shine so bright. Their beauty and brilliance is mesmerizing, but so fleeting that just when you begin to appreciate them, they are suddenly gone and you are left to realize you have seen something very special that you will probably never see again.
RIP Miss Helen Reddy & Mr. Jim Croce
Helen Reddy what a gal ! Bringing the best back then
Impossible in 1974! Jim Croce died in an airplane on September 20 1973 and the Midnight Special was a live tv show.
Jim Croce was and still is my favorite singer. I was 15 years old when he passed away. I was awed and shocked when I heard about his passing. Only a 30 year old Dad
According to IMDB, this aired 7/19/73. Two months and one day later, Jim and Maury would be gone.
That's what I say to ... Jim perished September 20th 1973 plane crash.. In Louisiana airport. :(
i've always loved Jim Croce's music ...!
Same here!
May God continue to bless Jim Croce and now Helen Reddy as I am sure they are playing together in heaven.
I visited Jim‘s grave Mother’s Day as he is buried in the same cemetery as my parents.
Where is he buried? I would love to visit his grave? In California?
Легенда! Как жаль что так рано ушел. Мог бы столько прекрасных песен подарить миру!
I was born on Fort Dix , NJ in August 1973. Never knew he served. I feel honored to have shared Earth at least a month.
Helen ready a favorite
R.i.p Uncle Jim. You are my favorite Folk Singer..ever.
I Really HOPE that Someday, They(Hollywood) make a Movie of His Life and Tragic end. JIM CROCE was/Is still One in a Million. Such a Great Singer/Songwriter. He would Still Be a Star Now if He had Lived. No Doubt in My Mind.
now listen,since you mention this. I remember in the '80's I watched a movie, kind of fantasy island tpye of movie. People arrived at an island for vacation, now this is weird, first I saw that movie in SPANISH, I I remember a phrase I heard on the movie "a life without dreams is real inferno" then the most important thing, the visitors, each of them had his story to tell, for instance a couple breaking up, but the most important thing, there was a singer among the visitors, and at one point during the movie, one of the visitors becomes suspicious about where they might be exactly, and somehow he mentions that it was so weird, just before they got on board of the plane he had heard on the news that THE ARTIST in the trip had died in a plane crash. I remember this movie so clearly, as if it was yesterday, I also remember I compared the movie at that time with Eagles' Hotel California. Furthermore, I have been looking for that movie in places we could not detail here, but we all imagine, and NOTHING. Like if it was all a dream. As a matter of fact, a couple weeks ago I went into some website, in its blog there was a discussion, and I posted my request there. Strange how sometimes we might continue looking for something for years, and never give up. Just like Jim's music, it was so great back then and it is even better today.
Some people wanted to make a film, but, according to his widow, Ingrid, they weren't interested in the *real* story.
Jim & Maury were my good friends. But they were Sal Josephs best friends.Imagine if you can , his loss.
Just read Ingrid's story. Hmmmmm...... Would like JC's perspective, but THAT ain't happening.
I still have Maury's solo LP somewhere. I think it's called gingerbread man and has a real art-like cover. I believe it was on Capitol records
I cannot imagine how many more great songs this guy would have written had he not died in that plane crash. So tragic and sad! I LOVE his music...especially his ballads!
How about dozens and dozens, since he was releasing at least an album a year.
all these years later i still can not get over the loss of these two....
It’s funny. I’ve listened to all his music. Bought all his albums. But until this video, I don’t think I ever heard him talk. Very strange. Gave me goosebumps.
ditto....made this God seem more like a human....
"Not made to climb the tree of knowledge." That's one worth remembering --- because it applies to many.
Baby boomers were fortunate to have experienced music like this man
Another musician who lived in relative poverty while the record industry profited in $millions from his work.
+Jack Dingler True. Seriously like fuck these greedy fucks. Even until now it happens but in terms of legal cases in courts etc. It's really sad that musicians are being exploited like this so bad.
and still does....
He was not forced, there was no exploitation
He didn't do it for the money, baby. The record labels will not be remembered. But Jim will. Remember that. Its about glory, honor, love, compassion for the craft.
@@fitofight8540 You either take the record deal "as is" or you don't get one - definitely exploited to the benefit of the record company.
I love to hear Jim talk about stories... He's so calm and humble. I wish musicians now were like this.
Legend...The fact that he is not in the R&R Hall of Fame while so many others with far less impact shows you how the hall is a sham driven by greed and music business insider b.s. He had 8 top 40 hits in less than 3 years for crying out loud!
He always wore the same clothes. Probably had one beaten up suitcase. Jimmy. Love you forever 💜
My buddy told me him and some other kids used you go listen to Jim play on his front porch when he was a kid, years before Jim made it big. Excellent memories
Love you Jim! Best song ever. Like the fool I am and I'll always be...I got a dream...
Life is about struggle. These guys worked hard. And it shows. God, does it show.
I didn't know Helen Reddy HAD a show!
Per IMDB, there were only 8 episodes, all in 1973.
Yes, The Helen Reddy Show was a summer replacement for The Flip Wilson Show on NBC, to fill the time slot before what would be the final season of Wilson’s variety show. This episode aired on July 19, 1973.
I loved Jim Croce's music. Beautiful,wonderful song writer and story teller.
Love him this film was taken before 1974 sadly he died in September 1973
Jim ....wherever you are ... we are still listening...
JIM CROCE ALONG WITH CAT STEVENS ARE MY FAVORITE
Me too!!
ARE THEY REALLY!!!!!
Don't do that. Never mention Jim Croce and that mental patient cat stevens in the same sentence.
and let's not forget Gordon Lightfoot Seals & Crofts.. Nick Drake and Jackson C.Frank.. Those are my all my Folk Favorites. and of Course, Jim Croce.
He was one of my favorite singers in the whole world voice was awesone and great and pure Excellence.
God robbed us of two wonderful people in 1973,not just fantastic musicians, but fantastic people to
Maury Muehleisen was such a great guitarist.
I remember sitting in the kitchen at my grandmothers house and the horrible news being broadcast over the radio.
R&R Hall of Fame put these guys in already!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jimmy died before i was even born..i so would have loved to have met the guy..he came across as a humble fella who would give ya the shirt off his back n he never really gets the credit he deserved to get..i would rate this fella in the top 10 solo performers from the 70s n sadly we will never know how much further he could have gone..unfortunately his "humble" personality cost him his life in the end ( and mauries as well) R.I.P jim n maurie😍😍😍
Legend.
My Fiance had a interesting story about Jim Croce,,, She worked at Charley Browns across from the Theatre in the Round on Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills CA.. It was closing time and in walks this guy asking if someone would mind going to a show with Eddie Gormet and Steve Lawrence to help fill the audience more.. She said sure she would enjoy that.....So she went and guess who was the opening Act? Yep a guy with a guitar a stool and a spotlight on him she said she was amazed at the music this man sang. Rolled up sleeves and such a stage presence it was Jim Croce...We enjoy the fact that he is a favorite of both of ours gone to soon but what he left us is incredible
RIP Heavens Gain is our Loss
David/Bev Lothridge This is a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing. I ended up on a drunken rabbit trail from FB to CZcams. Ironically sobering thoughts. I was born in 1974. Amazing via technology to see and hear things before I was a twinkle in my parents' eye.
David/Bev Lothridge I like your story...😁
I LOVE LOVE LOVE STORIES LIKE THIS!
Lovely story....thanks for sharing...
The funny part is that Eydie Gormé was in that show too!
Maury was with Jim through thick and thin..a fantastic guitar player and backup to Croce. How sad that both perished in that terrible plane crash before they really hit the big time. As Jack Dingler said below, Croce's recording company made millions, mostly posthumously...I just hope Jim's wife got a share.
I wish Maury's family had got the 50% they were due
Leroy looked like a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone... Love that line
Man I remember this song.glad I grew up and was inspired by such great musicians.now I'm 58. I love the must that much more.
What a sweet soul , I never heard Jim talk....legend !
He was a great singer and songwriter. He had some big hits about the time I graduated from high school. Listening to him now reminds me of those good old days...
To the WayBack Machine! 💕 I was 12 that year.
Love it 😊
So sad, he was a genuine man, a wonderful songwriter/ story teller, singer, personality.
When my son first listened to Jim Croce, he said, "Your generation had the best music."
So true!
I really miss Jim
amazing performance by a legendary performer. "I got a name" is the only song that he recorded that he didn't write, but when he heard the song, it made him feel closer to his father so he agreed to sing it. The songwriters, Fox & Gimbel, wrote another big hit that very year, "Killing Me Softly With His Song", which won the Grammy.
Not the only song, Thursday was written by Joe Salviuolo and Salon and Saloon by Maury Muehleisen
One of a kind - so likable, so talented, and so very missed. Jim, your music means more to me than you could ever know. RIP.
I was 19 year's old in the summer of 1973.by the way the best summer in my lifetime and I was born and raised in Chicago so BADBAD LEROY BROWN always brings me back great memories
He.s.was.so.amazing..that.the.old.god.that.take.of.all.us..take.care..of..old..good..country..boy..jim..wherever..he..at..now..me..love..and..respect..for..this..great..men..and..his..relatives..l.start..to.lisen..jim..when..l.was..12..lm.53..and.still..lm..here..thank..god..enjoy..his.old..good..songs..god..bless.you
Great songwriters in that era!
Jim sure could do one hell of an intro to his songs,loved his sense of humor,dry wit.
He looks almost 50 I can really see his stress and hardwork to his music, What a legend, we will remember you to the next 100 years.
Heroes Never Die.......
thank you Jim and Maury.
He was a story teller extraordinaire who could put words to music making his music come to life. Came from a working man's family and graduated from college. We were all thankful he choose music over engineering career.
Jim worked a lot of jobs in his short life too. He climbed telephone poles and was a wire man in The Army, he drove a truck, taught young ladies and gentlemen with behavioral issues, and sang in many bars on weekends, sometimes performing behind a chicken wire screen to keep him and Maury safe from the glass beer bottles and steins that might be thrown their way during the inevitable barroom fight. He mentioned using his guitar as a shield to protect him from flying debris. He also mentioned how his students kicked the crap out of the old Volkswagen Bug he used to drive. It was so badly dented in, he called it "The Raisin", if I remember correctly. I heard his son, A. J. tell that story about his dad somewhere. It's so sad that A. J. was just a baby, I think about two years old, when Jim died. What a shame.
I heard A. J. sing a tune that he wrote where he said something to God about not taking him away too early, "'Cause I'm not ready!" I thought that was too cute. I guess he just wanted to make sure that God knew about his preferences. Good plan! 👍👏🙏😁
Great performance with outstanding accompaniment...........
The music of my youth, and it means even more today
I remember living in Hawaii in the 70's and 80's and his songs fit right in with Kalapana ,Cecilio and Kapono, and Olomana to name a few legends of Hawaii.
What a beautiful voice, not many men can write a love song as he could, and with Maury Muehleisen' accompaniment just perfect.
He was brilliant! Love his music...
A great singer and talent gone way too soon R I P JIM CROCE
I know it's a bold statement but probably the best songwriter of the past 50 yrs., and I love Waites.
Man he died before my time, but i fully appreciate his music, he had a knack for story telling life like it was. He was as real as a musical artist could get, and didnt let it go to his head. Carry on Jim croce, you got a name.