James Joseph Croce (aka “Jim”), was born on 19430110 in South Philadelphia. If a tragedy had not intervened, he likely would still be with us. Unfortunately, he was killed in an aeroplane crash on 19730920, not yet 31 years old.
Croce had the unusual ability to write both comedic and serious material with aplomb (I always wanted to work that word into a piece). Only a few writers have been able to do this, and for the most part he wrote his own material. He did record some material written by others, but what artist has not?
He also had the ability to attract a very diverse listenership. My father was about as opposed to popular music as could draw breath, but love “You Don’t Mess around with Jim”! Let us take a few minutes to look at the way too short life and listen to some of the work of this talented writer and performer.