She’s living in LA with my best old ex friend Ray. It tells you everything you need to know. The song is perfect. Major key. Lyrics are fire. It speaks to everyone.
Song from the early 70s. Jim Croce was amazingly prolific and talented during his short career. He wrote beautifully touching ballads as well as some funny novelty story songs. For the latter, check out: "Bad, bad Leroy Brown" "You don't mess around with Jim" "Roller Derby Queen" and "Rapid Roy (that stock car boy)" RIP Jim. It's so hard to believe he's been gone for 50 years. I'm hoping to see his son, AJ, in concert this year.
It's Jim Crow-Chee. What gets me about "Operator" is that it's in a major key. The lyrics and phrasing just intensify the heartbreak. Croce was able to tell a story in a straightforward way where no one was to blame. As I have grown older, I realize that bad things "just happen" even if I do everything just "right." Jim Croce had that sense of world weariness that made him seem like he was talking just to you. I was born in 1972. My mom raised me on John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, and Jim Croce.
Jim Croce made it big with several songs in 1972 (Operator was released this year also). Jim was killed in a plane crash the following year at the age of 30 and never got to really savor his success. Maury Muehleisen, the other guitarist and backup singer in this video, was also killed in the same crash. Jim was killed the day before his new single "I've Got A Name" was released. It's a great song! His son was just 2 years old when Jim died but is also a singer-songwriter and is the spitting image of his father. His name is A. J. Croce.
Maury Muehleisen is the guy in the background. Jim had previously released a few songs but had little success. He actually was brought in to help mentor Maury. Initially playing background as Maury sang. Jim pulled out some unfinished songs he had been working on and he and Maury teamed up to finish them off. They became hits and the two toured together. Often as the acoustic-duo seen in this video. After a couple very successful albums the two of them perished in a plane crash in 1973. Jim's son AJ (appears in the video of Time In A Bottle) still tours playing the songs of his father.
A few years ago, like maybe three years ago. a 15-year-old boy sing this song on America’s got talent and he did a splendid job. But when he learned this song, his mother had to explain to him what an operator was and a payphone.
Just happened across your page, and i must say, great reaction!!! The fact that Jim Croce isn't playes much anymore is absolutely criminal!!! Someone should be brought up on charges. Absolute legend with a voice that soooo close to perfect.
Watching your face as your listening to this drastically changes as the song goes on. You start out all bouncy to the beat but as the words start coming you stop the bouncing and your face turns sentimental and serious. I was in 5th or 6th grade when Jim Croce uponed the scene and I have been listening to ever since. His songs were amazing and he had this super down to earth life. It was a beautiful life lost but happy that his music still effects people.
This was his first hit. I always cried during this song. Folks were just then beginning to discover him. He was overwhelming popular in early 1970s before his untimely death. So many big hits. Try "Bad, Bad, LeRoy Brown," and many others. So missed. Pure class and artistry. Nobody like him.
This song is going to have to come with Cliff's Notes soon. How many people not born in the 70s or 80s have seen a matchbook, know why people wrote phone numbers in them, made an operator -assisted phone call, or used a pay phone? I don't even remember pay phones that cost a dime. I remember them costing a quarter.
His sidekick Maury was a classically trained musician. He was topnotch studio musician material. Great team those two. It’s a shame they died before all of the big, big success came. They were really starting to take off when that crash happened.
If, you have not already listen to 'Bad, Bad Leroy Brown' and possibly 'You Don't Mess Around with Jim'...you probably may enjoy these. Thank you for sharing this one.
While the music of this song seems simple because of his brilliance but it is incredibly layered musically and complicated classical influences. Add to that the beautiful simplicity yet deep lyrics you have probably the single best song ever written.
Love this song and also another song you should try: LA County by Lyle Lovett. It's essentially the same setup - the singer's best friend and girlfriend have run off together. It's an upbeat country song (1980's or 90's?). If you only casually listen to the song, you'll entirely miss what happens and think it's just a sappy, happy song.
!972. He was killed in a plane crash in 1973. I remember it vividly. Because. I was five, & upset. He was a fav of mine. Bad Bad Leroy Brown. Sounded funny to a 4 / 5 yr old me. Particularly the phrase. Bader than old King Kong, & meaner than a junkyard dog. I was very confused. As they kept showing him on TV that day. I kept pointing. Saying...See!! He's not dead, he's right there!!!
Anthony you asked for a pronunciation. I grew up hearing it pronounced on the radio as Crow-shee .it's wild hearing this artist again. I remember in my teens I was all about rock but this artist was different and I really liked hearing his music and from there began my journey of opening my mind to all kinds of music
For a guy named Ray part was funny lol😊btw not sure of timeline but i think i first heard of Jim Croce in very early 80 s right when i first entered my teen years
One of the great songwriters. Love all of his stuff. This was a very fast tempo live version. I like the slower studio version a lot better. More time to really digest the words…. Melancholy for sure.
“Time In a Bottle” is my favorite Croce song also. For more great music, check out: SHAMAN-BCTAHEM this song is an anthem in remembrance of the fallen Russian soldiers during the Ukraine/Russia war. However, my reason for suggesting this song is based on his talent as a singer/writer, purely apolitical. “We Are Love” by il Volo (there are 2 versions, English and Italian), “Foolish Games” by Jewel, and “I Remember You” by Skid Row.
My dad was country mom was more rock i grew up loving rock but have a diverse tadte for hip hop and rick and many more. I just appreciate music in all its forms depending on how it hits me ya know. Eclectic taste i guess but rocks my core especially alternative
Man. When he says "she is living in LA with my old ex best friend ray. Some who she knew and sometimes hated isn't that the way this things goes well let for get all that and give me the number so u can find it so i can call and tell them im fine and to shoooow ive over comed the cloud learned to wish my words would convinced myself but that's not the it feels . Operator oh could you help me place this call cause I can't read the number you just gave me there is something in my eyes you know you it happens all the time thinking of the love that I thought would save me.." isnt that the way the saying goes so give the number .then he says there noone there was i could talk to. You can keep the dime . Smh I lost someone just like that
Dude, do a reaction vid to the Cat Stevens song "Sitting" off the album Catch Bull at Four. Cat is known for his peace and love songs like Peace Train but in his song Sitting, he's pissed off and way intense. Very un-Cat like. It's also from the same time as Jim Croce's "Operator." The version you reacted to was from 1973. Sitting is from '72.
Really LOVE THE REACTION!!! Maybe check out NEIL PEART Buddy Rich HONOR?????!!!!!!!!! :) Surprises awaits!! :) ♥AND, or... Victor Wooten bass music????????? :) LOVE TOP FUEL ALWAYS!!! “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13 only married sex is perfect. ♥
Gone to soon... 30 years old he died in a plane crash (crashed on takeoff) on September 20, 1973. Great talent lost to soon. Thanks for the memories.
One of the best sad songs ever.
She’s living in LA with my best old ex friend Ray. It tells you everything you need to know. The song is perfect. Major key. Lyrics are fire. It speaks to everyone.
Remembered the lyrics! Has it really been 52yrs?
The faded number on the matchbook really dates the song. Enjoyed the reaction. Try Bad Bad Leroy Brown by Jim, cool story song.
Ya, "but you can keep the dime" is a kick in the gut to us oldsters.
I love "Operator" and "Time in a Bottle". Although, he is probably best known for the rowdy "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown".
Song from the early 70s. Jim Croce was amazingly prolific and talented during his short career. He wrote beautifully touching ballads as well as some funny novelty story songs. For the latter, check out: "Bad, bad Leroy Brown" "You don't mess around with Jim" "Roller Derby Queen" and "Rapid Roy (that stock car boy)" RIP Jim. It's so hard to believe he's been gone for 50 years. I'm hoping to see his son, AJ, in concert this year.
It's Jim Crow-Chee.
What gets me about "Operator" is that it's in a major key. The lyrics and phrasing just intensify the heartbreak.
Croce was able to tell a story in a straightforward way where no one was to blame. As I have grown older, I realize that bad things "just happen" even if I do everything just "right."
Jim Croce had that sense of world weariness that made him seem like he was talking just to you.
I was born in 1972. My mom raised me on John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, and Jim Croce.
Same on the Mom influence, also Rod Stewart, Joan Baez, Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.
Terrific song. I always tear up at the part where he told the operator they'd been so much more than kind😢
Back when pay phones were 10 cents and cell phones did not exist.
Good God we need more like him..
Jim Croce made it big with several songs in 1972 (Operator was released this year also). Jim was killed in a plane crash the following year at the age of 30 and never got to really savor his success. Maury Muehleisen, the other guitarist and backup singer in this video, was also killed in the same crash. Jim was killed the day before his new single "I've Got A Name" was released. It's a great song! His son was just 2 years old when Jim died but is also a singer-songwriter and is the spitting image of his father. His name is A. J. Croce.
Maury was 24 when he died.
"Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" is such a great Croce song... also "I'll have to say I love you in a song"
Maury Muehleisen is the guy in the background.
Jim had previously released a few songs but had little success. He actually was brought in to help mentor Maury. Initially playing background as Maury sang. Jim pulled out some unfinished songs he had been working on and he and Maury teamed up to finish them off. They became hits and the two toured together. Often as the acoustic-duo seen in this video. After a couple very successful albums the two of them perished in a plane crash in 1973.
Jim's son AJ (appears in the video of Time In A Bottle) still tours playing the songs of his father.
This song is so iconic. One of the best ever, Jim was taken too young...
A few years ago, like maybe three years ago. a 15-year-old boy sing this song on America’s got talent and he did a splendid job. But when he learned this song, his mother had to explain to him what an operator was and a payphone.
Yes, soothing voice for sure. Master writer and the guitar playing is superb!
Jim was the first hero of mine to pass away-I was 9 and I will never forget my mother telling me he had passed.
Just happened across your page, and i must say, great reaction!!! The fact that Jim Croce isn't playes much anymore is absolutely criminal!!! Someone should be brought up on charges. Absolute legend with a voice that soooo close to perfect.
Watching your face as your listening to this drastically changes as the song goes on. You start out all bouncy to the beat but as the words start coming you stop the bouncing and your face turns sentimental and serious. I was in 5th or 6th grade when Jim Croce uponed the scene and I have been listening to ever since.
His songs were amazing and he had this super down to earth life. It was a beautiful life lost but happy that his music still effects people.
❤❤❤
His music reminds me of my late father.
Jim Croce was a fantastic folk/rock artist. Fantastic song writer! He was very popular late 60’s -70’s. He died in a plane crash unfortunately 😢
This was his first hit. I always cried during this song. Folks were just then beginning to discover him. He was overwhelming popular in early 1970s before his untimely death. So many big hits. Try "Bad, Bad, LeRoy Brown," and many others. So missed. Pure class and artistry. Nobody like him.
Jim Crow-Chee is how u pronounce it, 1 of my fav artists
It seems so many great talents of that era died way too young, Patsy Cline, Andy Gibb, Karen Carpenter, Buddy Holly, Jim Croce.
Same man, my dad loved Jim Croce, so many good memories. Usually it be way to slow for me but that nostalgia hits hard like you said
This song is going to have to come with Cliff's Notes soon. How many people not born in the 70s or 80s have seen a matchbook, know why people wrote phone numbers in them, made an operator -assisted phone call, or used a pay phone? I don't even remember pay phones that cost a dime. I remember them costing a quarter.
So young! ... You should only be 80-ish. ❤
Croce's Bad Bad Leroy Brown is great, rolicking storytelling and well worth a listen
His sidekick Maury was a classically trained musician. He was topnotch studio musician material. Great team those two. It’s a shame they died before all of the big, big success came. They were really starting to take off when that crash happened.
JIM died to soon great songwriter
Check out the song
Time in a bottle
My parents listened to this on 8-track when I was a kid. Nostalgia moment. He really was wonderful! RIP
Awww your dad stories. So sweet. I got my appreciation from my mom. 💜
I'VE GOT A NAME. ❤️
1973. Jim and his guitarist were killed in a plane crash about 3 months later
Classic... Ahhhhh❤
January 1973 was the performance. Died September that same year. Plane crash.
You must listen to LOVERS CROSS
If, you have not already listen to 'Bad, Bad Leroy Brown' and possibly 'You Don't Mess Around with Jim'...you probably may enjoy these. Thank you for sharing this one.
While the music of this song seems simple because of his brilliance but it is incredibly layered musically and complicated classical influences. Add to that the beautiful simplicity yet deep lyrics you have probably the single best song ever written.
Love this song and also another song you should try: LA County by Lyle Lovett. It's essentially the same setup - the singer's best friend and girlfriend have run off together. It's an upbeat country song (1980's or 90's?). If you only casually listen to the song, you'll entirely miss what happens and think it's just a sappy, happy song.
!972. He was killed in a plane crash in 1973. I remember it vividly. Because. I was five, & upset. He was a fav of mine. Bad Bad Leroy Brown. Sounded funny to a 4 / 5 yr old me. Particularly the phrase. Bader than old King Kong, & meaner than a junkyard dog. I was very confused. As they kept showing him on TV that day. I kept pointing. Saying...See!! He's not dead, he's right there!!!
Loli always pronounce CROW-SHE if not mistaken that's how radio pronounced back when but don't mark my word but I'm thinking that's it lol js
This was another of his I recall . I always enjoyed hearing his 🎵 music. Very distinctive voice
Funny how old songs come about and I can recall the lyrics and sing along but without it playing I can't recall as easy lol😊
Anthony you asked for a pronunciation. I grew up hearing it pronounced on the radio as Crow-shee .it's wild hearing this artist again. I remember in my teens I was all about rock but this artist was different and I really liked hearing his music and from there began my journey of opening my mind to all kinds of music
For a guy named Ray part was funny lol😊btw not sure of timeline but i think i first heard of Jim Croce in very early 80 s right when i first entered my teen years
Definitely check out You Don't Mess Around With Jim and Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.
One of the great songwriters. Love all of his stuff. This was a very fast tempo live version. I like the slower studio version a lot better. More time to really digest the words…. Melancholy for sure.
“Time In a Bottle” is my favorite Croce song also. For more great music, check out: SHAMAN-BCTAHEM this song is an anthem in remembrance of the fallen Russian soldiers during the Ukraine/Russia war. However, my reason for suggesting this song is based on his talent as a singer/writer, purely apolitical. “We Are Love” by il Volo (there are 2 versions, English and Italian), “Foolish Games” by Jewel, and “I Remember You” by Skid Row.
That's called an eclectic taste in music. I know it well...
Working at the car wash blues
My dad was country mom was more rock i grew up loving rock but have a diverse tadte for hip hop and rick and many more. I just appreciate music in all its forms depending on how it hits me ya know. Eclectic taste i guess but rocks my core especially alternative
Man. When he says "she is living in LA with my old ex best friend ray. Some who she knew and sometimes hated isn't that the way this things goes well let for get all that and give me the number so u can find it so i can call and tell them im fine and to shoooow ive over comed the cloud learned to wish my words would convinced myself but that's not the it feels . Operator oh could you help me place this call cause I can't read the number you just gave me there is something in my eyes you know you it happens all the time thinking of the love that I thought would save me.." isnt that the way the saying goes so give the number .then he says there noone there was i could talk to. You can keep the dime . Smh I lost someone just like that
Jim Croce told some of the best stories . Died way too young.
Would love to see you do Box # 10 by Jim Croce
Dude, do a reaction vid to the Cat Stevens song "Sitting" off the album Catch Bull at Four. Cat is known for his peace and love songs like Peace Train but in his song Sitting, he's pissed off and way intense. Very un-Cat like. It's also from the same time as Jim Croce's "Operator." The version you reacted to was from 1973. Sitting is from '72.
Song released on '72
He wanted to get out of the music biz but had to do a couple of shows left and died in a plane crash in 1973.
You could have had that conversation back then
if your father introduced you to _Time in a Bottle,_ I can guarantee he played this song, and you surely heard it
1973 please try "I Got A Name' BY Jim Croce
Time in a bottle. Our Prom song. Word!!!!
React Berywan and mb14 shoutout please.
The next song of his should be Photographs and Memories, whether you do a reaction or not. (But please do the reaction. )
Sadly, Jim died way too early when his career was really taking off. I wonder where he would be had he not have got on that plane.
Bad bad Leeroy brown next!
He died in a plane crash in 1973. So much potential lost.
It's pronounced "KROH-chee". Jim died in a plane crashed in 1973.
Please listen to Bad Bad Leroy Brown and also I’ll just have to say I love you in a song by Jim Groce
I'm a big tough guy but I can't keep a dry eye when I listen to the song. I mean is there any guy out there that doesn't have memories of loves lost
He died in 1973
Crow-she
Really LOVE THE REACTION!!! Maybe check out NEIL PEART Buddy Rich HONOR?????!!!!!!!!! :) Surprises awaits!! :) ♥AND, or... Victor Wooten bass music????????? :) LOVE TOP FUEL ALWAYS!!! “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13
only married sex is perfect. ♥
I think his surname translates to " Cross ''.. in Italian..?
That’s right
09/20/1973
Rap really
Know do you really lile rap
Pronounced CROW-chee.