When I read a book or write my stories I often listen to music. While preparing to read the new Longmire novel, I came across Jim Croce's Greatest Hits. It was a nearly two hour compilation of Croce's music. As I read I was continuously drawn away from the novel to listen to the music. The guitar was engaging and the vocals were crisp and clear. He had an incredible voice and his songs told a story.
He and his wife Ingrid were a duo and recorded an album in 1968 and spent the next two years traveling, performing in clubs.
In 1972 he signed a three record deal with ABC Records. His single Bad, Bad Leroy Brown hit #1 in the US in July of 1973. Until then he traveled playing coffee houses and small festivals, paying back his advance from the albums. He played on American Bandstand, Midnight Special, The Tonight Show and others. But Croce became homesick and decided to quit after his tour ended.
The tragedy struck. On September 20, 1973, at the age of 30, Jim Croce died when the charter plane he was riding in hit a tree on takeoff. In a letter to his wife, received after his death, he wrote that he had decided to give up music and become a screenplay writer. His last album was finished a week before he died and was released in December 1973. Several of the songs were hits.
I wonder what would have happened if he had not died. Would he still be making music and playing in large venues? How many more hit songs would we have from a fabulous songwriter?
We lost several music icons in the early months of 2016, David Bowie, Glenn Frey of the Eagles and Prince. But we were blessed with many years of excellent music form each, though we always hope our heroes will last forever.
Jim Croce's career ended almost as soon as it began. We were fortunate that he gave us as much as he did in such a short time. Thank you Jim.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
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