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When they first started playing and writing together, Maury was going to be the front man for the duo. But he quickly realized that Jim's songwriting skill was just next level, so Maury stepped back into the background.
Actually, you haven't quite got the pronunciation right either. Being his last name is Italian, the E is pronounced as a soft E and not a hard E, so not Crow-Chee but Crow-Cheh, with the Cheh bit rhyming with meh.
This is adorable. Beth is so young she does not remember phone booths, or know what "Dear John letters" really were (not just to soldiers) or about snail mail. But she hears the complex chords right away--something which has eluded me for decades, and she hones on on the harmonies so quickly and I was hardly aware of these. She is like an archeologist piecing together the elements which made this song endure for so long. Her side bit on airplane crashes is good: these folks were flying in small planes with less experienced pilots--and she's reviewed "The Day the Music Died." Love to hear what she thinks of Dave Loggins ("Please Come to Boson.") She may not know the places mentioned, but she'll know why the music works. What a fascinating analyst she is. She is the student every professor dreams about.
Disappointed you didn't make even one mention by name of Croce's guitarist Maury Muehliesen. Without his sublime guitar lines and harmony vocals, Croce's music would've been much less than it was. Maury died in the same plane crash with Jim at the young age of 24. He'd only been playing guitar for 7 years when he passed but was already a masterful fingerpicker. There are 6 chords and it's in the key of G.
Thank you for saying this. In my mind there is Jim Croce the singer/songwriter and “Jim Croce” the recording duo. On their slower, more melancholy, songs (this one and “Time in a Bottle”, for instance), Maury’s playing just adds so much to the mood. He was a brilliant accompanist. RIP to both.
I was 8 years old when the announcement of Jim passing was made on TV.. I was a huge fan and cried, so upset. I just saw his son (Croce Plays Croce) in concert a couple weeks ago. He did a great job covering his father's songs. I teared up throughout this whole song.
Jim was killed on my 8th birthday in Natchitoches (Nak-a-Tish), Louisiana when his airplane clipped a pecan tree at the end of the runway. His music is timeless with his voice and lyrics which still gets to me.
It's unfortunate how accurate your statement is. While not what you meant, he died very shortly after this, so it was his lifetime. It seems almost unfair that died right as he was getting famous. It's unfair to him and it's unfair to us, as he almost certainly would have created additional masterpieces. What a tragedy.
And the concert he had just finished when the plane went down was a 'make up' show at a small Louisiana college. He booked the show before he had made it big, but had to postpone. Suddenly he was hugely popular, but still insisted on doing the gig, since these were the kind of fans that supported him at the beginning. Everything, including the plane, was a last minute arrangement.
Many of his less known album cuts are very similar to Operator-songs about an average guy, down on his luck, living in a strange city, maybe just broke up with someone... He was an incredible writer.
It is times like this being near 50 I am so glad I grew up on music like Jim's in the late 70s and early 80s. Such powerful lyrics to put you right where he wants.
Great reaction 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 my favorite lyrics are: “Operator, oh could you help me place this call 'cause i can't read the number that you just gave me, there's something in my eye's; You know it happens every time I think about the love that I thought would save me” as, to me, it evokes the image of his eyes welling up with tears and he can’t see the numbers clearly.
I remember watching this on television. I was and still am blown away by the craftsmanship of both Jim's and Maury's guitar work. It was in every song I ever heard by them.
No no no, Taylor Swift should never be mentioned as any comparision to Jim Croce. He is an amazing artist, no sound effects, as to Swift, well, she is a product of recording
The young need some serious “listening skill” tutoring. This TH-camr is generally very good - but she has zero idea of what playing this live and perfectly is like - or capturing this in an analog,1970’s studio, was like! Lightning in a Bottle! Peace
I agree that Taylor Swift or anyone from the past 20 years should ever be compared to the artist prior to 1990 but especially artists from the 1950’s - 1970’s
@@cherrypickerguitars No, bc she recorded folkfore during covid in acoustic studio settings remotely with the band remote. By your definition your parents generation obviously had better music because they had less technology? Huh?
Storytelling was a hallmark of the 70's. That artform has all but died in recent times and that is what seperates timeless classic from songs that will fade away quickly.
One of my favorite songs of all time. I was born in 65 and grew up listening to Jim's music. I get something in my eyes too every time I listen to it, not only the heartbreak of what the character in the song is feeling but thinking about how his life and career were cut way too short. He was just getting started and it so sad how many more great songs the world missed out on. Thank you for helping keep his music alive by introducing him to a whole new generation who may have previously never heard of him.
Maury Muehleisen produced his own album and made a deal with Jim Croce: Whoever hit it big, the other guy would provide guitar work for the other. Jim hit it big and Maury went along with him .The album by Maury is titled Gingerbreadd(yes with 2 D's). Best songs are A Song I Heard, Love Is Just A Passing Thing, One Last Chance, Wintry Morning, and Elena. Maury was another artist of the 70's who "fell through the cracks" due to the amazing amount of excellent Folk singer artists. Only 11,000 copies of this album were produced and were sent to all the radio stations nationwide. I have a copy of this marvelous album I am happy to say! Too bad they died in the plane crash when they were just getting started!
His talent was huge, but his ability to finger pick and sing and look so relaxed is amazing. No tension in his face or body, just singing this beautiful and touching song. Jim and Maury you are missed!
The really sad part was that at the time of the crash, he was planning to stop touring so that he could spend more time with his family. I think Time in a Bottle was one of the best songs of the 70's. It was a love song to his wife.
This was one of my favorite songs when it was released. Jim Croce was an excellent lyricist and composer. Interesting details in your popups that I hadn't seen before. Another tragic loss of a talented musician due to an aircraft crash in bad weather is Stevie Ray Vaughan. And then there's Koby Bryant, his daughter and their friends, again in bad weather. Geoff Castellucci just released a cover of Jim Croce's "You Don't Mess Around with Jim".
Grew up listening to Croce. He sounds like coming home. The combination of his guitar and his voice, with the insane artistry of his songwriting sets the standard in my brain for what I want out of music.
The 70s was a golden era for singer-songwriters and Jim was up there with the very best. Unfortunately, due to the way the recording industry works, he barely made a penny from his genius. At least we still have the music - Thanks Jim!
A singer you may not know. Rindi Ross from the 80's Quarterflash band. Would love to hear your thoughts on playing a woodwind (Sax) while also singing in a concert. Would this hurt or help you singing breath support.
So well written. Sets time, the relationships. Even if you don't know what a phone booth, an operator, a number on a match book, or the keep the dime line you understand from the song.
In very rural areas "party lines", more than 1 family on 1 line and you could listen in on your neighbors calls, were still the norm as late as the early 70's.
Jim missed a college concert date , before he made it Big...he went back to make the concert up, a year later...he and the other guitarist died in a plane crash leaving that concert..Tragic Loss...and I believe he was 30..and the guy in the glasses, was 23. = (...singing GREAT, but also their FLAWLESS GUITAR!...pronounced CRO-CHEE
Croce and Chapin and James Taylor were specialists in open storytelling in their songwriting. there's specifics illustrating wider themes. kinda miss that. Adele has a little bit of this... and Ed Sheeran... but not so much anymore...
Check out "dreaming again, and Alabama rain". They didn't get much radio play in the day. These songs were really about something, and usually about self reflection on life.
I appreciate you reminding us of this great singer and song. BTW, his last name has two syllables and is pronounced KRO chee, not a monosyllabic "crose".
Rick Beato also reacted to this. Along with a long career in most aspects of music he taught music in New York's university system. Iknow he'll spend time on the chord progessions. Another band that we lost in a plane crash at about the same time Chase. Their big hit was Got to Get in on. The band had four outstanding trumpet players who would cascabing trumpet waterfalls. Saw them live in college.
The Canadian singer-songwriter, Stan Rogers, died in a plane wreck as well. It was a commercial flight in Texas. Due to that crash, we now have running lights on the carpets of planes to help folks crawling in smoke find exits.
All the chords are courtesy of the master guitarist sitting next to him. I love Jim’s lyrics and the way he sings but Maury doesn’t get enough credit for the distinctive guitar work.
Listening to your comments helped me understand why Jim Croce has continued to be a favorite throughout my life. I was only 7 when he was killed. I once heard someone on the radio talk about what one artist would you want to listen to if you were on a deserted island alone? Mine would have been JC. You never get tired of hearing the songs and they stand the test of time due to the story telling and music.
Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Carly Simon, etc., etc. No one within 40 years can hold a candle to these guys.
I simply didn't realize... none of us did... none of us who came of age in my generation (graduated high school in '76)... we didn't know that the music of our 'young lives' would be the greatest music of our 'entire lives'. In hindsight, I'm just so incredibly grateful and glad I had the ecperience and those who've come along since, can share it, if they have the desire to 'hear' it. Thank You @bigtalk2598 for staking out our 'musical era's' claim of 'greatness'!
@@TerryYelmene I graduated in '81, but was exposed to all the music of the 60's and early 70's by my brothers that graduated in '70, '71 and '73 and a dad who liked classical and big band and mom who was into country. So much of the music then had bits and pieces of all of it and that to me is a big part of what made that era so good.
My parents were both into Folk Rock at the time. My dad loved Jim Croce. I am very glad to have heard all his music and learned to really love it. He was such a wonderful song writer!
I'm blown away by the ease he has in producing that vocal tone. Also, they're both incredibly precise, both vocally and instrumentaly, but with no eye contact. Not only an amazing piece of songwriting, but a masterclass in rehersal and preparation.
Lovely reaction Beth. Jim has been a favorite of mine for years. So many amazing songs. I honestly believe that he would have been among the most prolific writers if not for his untimely death. You are right. Far too many wonderful talents snuffed out in crashes. Add to the list you showed John Denver (plane crash) and Stevie Ray Vaughan (helicopter). Just wanted to mention something about Jim's name. Back in the day everyone called him Croce (pronounced like Crow-chee. I thought for years that it was correct. However, I found a video on TH-cam of Jim and Maury on the old Dick Cavett TV show and he asked Jim for a correct pronounciation, and Jim said (Crow- chay). Jim and Maury had such an amazing blend in their vocals. Stay safe and well. Good luck with the album.
Never heard a phone booth called a phone box. Also, I believe you pronounced his name as 'Crose'? The pronunciation that I grew up with is "Crow-chee" and that's how his wife pronounces it. Others have suggested "Crow-chay" but since his wife says it's "Corw-chee", that's what I go with.
Great reaction Beth!! Beautiful song - all of his works are - they're like a soothing balm (even his more up tempo tracks!) Jim was a bright light extinguished far, FAR too soon! RIP.
When I grew up, we were on a party line and if you picked up the phone, you could hear the other people talking and then you’d have to hang up and wait for him to get done
Wonderful reaction to such a heartfelt song. I definitely suggest listening to his song I've Got A Name. Another one that makes me tear up when I listen to it, which I love when a song can bring out those emotions.
@@mst3ktemple421 Totally; brilliant tune. A shame we didn't see this song recorded live for those acoustic shows he did with Maury. It's on a par with Operator for my fav Jim song. I'm glad it got some traction with the next generation a few years back in Tatantino's D'Jango movie
He had so many lesser known cuts that were emotional gut punches "Walking Back to Georgia" and "Alabama Rain" about maybe getting the girl back; "New York's Not My Home", a lonely fish out of water; and the Harry Chapin-like "Salon & Saloon" about running into an old friend after many years. All remarkable lyrics.
@@roneichstaedt8853 Those of us who "Photographs and Memories" album are most familiar with all these wonderful anecdotal homages, and others. "Time in a Bottle [and other love songs]" is his other brilliant compilation album.
Yes! "And in chasin' what I thought were moonbeams, I have run into a couple of walls" I just look at myself and say, Wouldn'ta done it any other way. I think you could make a book out of nothing but the last lines of his songs.
*BETH, I HAVE A CHALLEGE FOR ALL "VOICE COACH & SINGING ANALYSIS" REACTORS* About 20-30 reactors do the Pavarotti singing in a tuxedo, but he is NOT him in costume singing opera.. ***I believe that a "CHALLENGE" for ALL Reactors to watch: **_ELINA GARANCA- CARMEN "HABANERA"; DIANA DAMRAU- "QUEEN OF THE NIGHT"; "BRINDISI" FROM LA TRAVIATA; and Broadway like "Oh, what a beutiful morning (Gordon MacRea); "Hey Big Spender" (Sweet Charity); and I will think of several others like PATRICIA JANECKOVA "DOLL'S SONG"_*
Jim Croce and Maury were, next to Lennon and Buddy Holly, the biggest losses to 20th century folk/rock without a doubt. These guys could have been ANYTHING....
Thank You...for this reaction. - - - IMHO. 'Operator' is among the most cleverly composed lyrical songs ever written. Throughout the entire song, verses and chorus, even the small tonal change bridge, each phrase is 'overheard' as a one ended side of a truly heartbreaking telephone conversation with a complete stranger... a telephone operator. That level of creative genius hasn't come around often in my 65 years of music appreciation. So agian, Thanks for sharing how 'special' this song and its composer are. RIP Jim.
Jim Croce. James Taylor. Gordon Lightfoot. Our own Gilbert O'Sullivan. Your Gerry Rafferty. Just to name a few. All storytellers first and foremost. Also having great musical talent. And what they couldn't do ... they hired musicians, with actual talent, and allowed them to be ... musicians. They were great times. Also. Check out "I've Got A Name " (Croce) .. Beautiful
"Operator" is low-hanging fruit compared to other Jim Croce songs. For example, consider this song for "Andy Dufresne" of the "Shawshank Redemption": th-cam.com/video/5-fcvnYDEJ0/w-d-xo.html Then there's this song for "Ellis Boyd 'Red" Redding" as he boards the bus to Port Hampton, Texas: th-cam.com/video/j5sO0HbB5WY/w-d-xo.html Oh well, it's all about getting TH-cam views, so low-hanging fruit it is.
Jim had a number of these very nice songs. But he got really famous with more lighthearted songs like “Bad Bad LeRoy Brown” and “Workin’ at the Car Wash Blues”.
Hi. This song is markedly different from today’s homogenized synthesizer drum machine music songs of today. It’s incredible. Nobody writes songs like this anymore, especially since the only tool required is an acoustic guitar. Times have changed. It’s pronounced Jim “Cro-Chee” …. Not Jim “Crows” Great review! Keep up your awesome work. Thanks!
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It is a great album
The "You can keep the dime" lyric is sung with such emotion. I tear up every time I hear it. Gone waaaaaay too soon. R.I.P.
Love him!!! He died too soon!
He had so much more to give
Jim and Maury were such an amazing duo.....gone since 1973 and still relevant. I love their music,
Jim called Maury a one man orchestra. So true
When they first started playing and writing together, Maury was going to be the front man for the duo. But he quickly realized that Jim's songwriting skill was just next level, so Maury stepped back into the background.
"Time in a Bottle" is my favorite by him and it hits so hard, knowing how and when he died.
Jim Croce's music, complex in many ways. Often even humorous. BTW it's prounounced Krow-Chee.
Actually, you haven't quite got the pronunciation right either. Being his last name is Italian, the E is pronounced as a soft E and not a hard E, so not Crow-Chee but Crow-Cheh, with the Cheh bit rhyming with meh.
It's crazy how many great songs he has in such a short amount of commercial time.
This is adorable. Beth is so young she does not remember phone booths, or know what "Dear John letters" really were (not just to soldiers) or about snail mail. But she hears the complex chords right away--something which has eluded me for decades, and she hones on on the harmonies so quickly and I was hardly aware of these. She is like an archeologist piecing together the elements which made this song endure for so long. Her side bit on airplane crashes is good: these folks were flying in small planes with less experienced pilots--and she's reviewed "The Day the Music Died." Love to hear what she thinks of Dave Loggins ("Please Come to Boson.") She may not know the places mentioned, but she'll know why the music works. What a fascinating analyst she is. She is the student every professor dreams about.
Disappointed you didn't make even one mention by name of Croce's guitarist Maury Muehliesen. Without his sublime guitar lines and harmony vocals, Croce's music would've been much less than it was. Maury died in the same plane crash with Jim at the young age of 24. He'd only been playing guitar for 7 years when he passed but was already a masterful fingerpicker. There are 6 chords and it's in the key of G.
Thank you for saying this. In my mind there is Jim Croce the singer/songwriter and “Jim Croce” the recording duo. On their slower, more melancholy, songs (this one and “Time in a Bottle”, for instance), Maury’s playing just adds so much to the mood. He was a brilliant accompanist. RIP to both.
I was 8 years old when the announcement of Jim passing was made on TV.. I was a huge fan and cried, so upset. I just saw his son (Croce Plays Croce) in concert a couple weeks ago. He did a great job covering his father's songs. I teared up throughout this whole song.
Yep, I was 7.
@@kylesummers1565 I was 5 or 6, but I was aware of this and other Croce songs!
Huge influence!
Big shout out to CPC! Wonderful presentation and adds context, too.
Jim was killed on my 8th birthday in Natchitoches (Nak-a-Tish), Louisiana when his airplane clipped a pecan tree at the end of the runway. His music is timeless with his voice and lyrics which still gets to me.
He's not even thirty years old, but already seems like he's lived a lifetime.
It's unfortunate how accurate your statement is. While not what you meant, he died very shortly after this, so it was his lifetime. It seems almost unfair that died right as he was getting famous. It's unfair to him and it's unfair to us, as he almost certainly would have created additional masterpieces. What a tragedy.
And the concert he had just finished when the plane went down was a 'make up' show at a small Louisiana college. He booked the show before he had made it big, but had to postpone. Suddenly he was hugely popular, but still insisted on doing the gig, since these were the kind of fans that supported him at the beginning.
Everything, including the plane, was a last minute arrangement.
Many of his less known album cuts are very similar to Operator-songs about an average guy, down on his luck, living in a strange city, maybe just broke up with someone...
He was an incredible writer.
It is times like this being near 50 I am so glad I grew up on music like Jim's in the late 70s and early 80s.
Such powerful lyrics to put you right where he wants.
Sure thing kid, I'm 63. ;^}
Jim always takes me back to my childhood. My parents gave me an excellent start in music.
Great reaction 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 my favorite lyrics are: “Operator, oh could you help me place this call
'cause i can't read the number that you just gave me, there's something in my eye's;
You know it happens every time I think about the love that I thought would save me” as, to me, it evokes the image of his eyes welling up with tears and he can’t see the numbers clearly.
To you? That's exactly what he means.
It hurts to imagine all of the potential masterpieces we lost in that plane crash.
Actually, almost certainly none, because he was on his farewell tour, he was leaving the music industry to spend time with his wife and newborn son.
I remember watching this on television. I was and still am blown away by the craftsmanship of both Jim's and Maury's guitar work. It was in every song I ever heard by them.
We had this on an 8-track tape when I was a kid. Magic Childhood Memories ❤
Same. My mom LOVED him, and I think of her every time I hear him.
No no no, Taylor Swift should never be mentioned as any comparision to Jim Croce. He is an amazing artist, no sound effects, as to Swift, well, she is a product of recording
I could almost forgive the TS reference but the Willow Smith reference was too much for me.
I bet youve never listened to a track on swifts folklore which was recorded during covid in a sparse acoustic. Its possible to appreciate both sir.
The young need some serious “listening skill” tutoring. This TH-camr is generally very good - but she has zero idea of what playing this live and perfectly is like - or capturing this in an analog,1970’s studio, was like!
Lightning in a Bottle!
Peace
I agree that Taylor Swift or anyone from the past 20 years should ever be compared to the artist prior to 1990 but especially artists from the 1950’s - 1970’s
@@cherrypickerguitars No, bc she recorded folkfore during covid in acoustic studio settings remotely with the band remote. By your definition your parents generation obviously had better music because they had less technology? Huh?
"you can keep the dime" sums up the whole song. Classic Jim.
Storytelling was a hallmark of the 70's. That artform has all but died in recent times and that is what seperates timeless classic from songs that will fade away quickly.
One of my favorite songs of all time. I was born in 65 and grew up listening to Jim's music. I get something in my eyes too every time I listen to it, not only the heartbreak of what the character in the song is feeling but thinking about how his life and career were cut way too short. He was just getting started and it so sad how many more great songs the world missed out on. Thank you for helping keep his music alive by introducing him to a whole new generation who may have previously never heard of him.
Maury Muehleisen produced his own album and made a deal with Jim Croce: Whoever hit it big, the other guy would provide guitar work for the other. Jim hit it big and Maury went along with him .The album by Maury is titled Gingerbreadd(yes with 2 D's). Best songs are A Song I Heard, Love Is Just A Passing Thing, One Last Chance, Wintry Morning, and Elena. Maury was another artist of the 70's who "fell through the cracks" due to the amazing amount of excellent Folk singer artists. Only 11,000 copies of this album were produced and were sent to all the radio stations nationwide. I have a copy of this marvelous album I am happy to say! Too bad they died in the plane crash when they were just getting started!
I've been waiting for this reaction for a long time! Thanks!❤
Just FYI, the last name is pronounced "Crow-Chee"
His talent was huge, but his ability to finger pick and sing and look so relaxed is amazing. No tension in his face or body, just singing this beautiful and touching song. Jim and Maury you are missed!
I thought the same. It's remarkable to see someone so immensely skilled and so easy. A true master.
The really sad part was that at the time of the crash, he was planning to stop touring so that he could spend more time with his family. I think Time in a Bottle was one of the best songs of the 70's. It was a love song to his wife.
This was one of my favorite songs when it was released. Jim Croce was an excellent lyricist and composer. Interesting details in your popups that I hadn't seen before.
Another tragic loss of a talented musician due to an aircraft crash in bad weather is Stevie Ray Vaughan. And then there's Koby Bryant, his daughter and their friends, again in bad weather.
Geoff Castellucci just released a cover of Jim Croce's "You Don't Mess Around with Jim".
"Photographs & Memories" is one that will break your heart in the most beautiful way.
Grew up listening to Croce. He sounds like coming home. The combination of his guitar and his voice, with the insane artistry of his songwriting sets the standard in my brain for what I want out of music.
The 70s was a golden era for singer-songwriters and Jim was up there with the very best. Unfortunately, due to the way the recording industry works, he barely made a penny from his genius. At least we still have the music - Thanks Jim!
A singer you may not know.
Rindi Ross from the 80's Quarterflash band.
Would love to hear your thoughts on playing a woodwind (Sax) while also singing in a concert. Would this hurt or help you singing breath support.
Sadly, Croce's guitar player, Maury Muehleisen, was also taken in the same crash. He was only 24.
Jim Croce was one of the best singer/songwriteers. His lyrics resonated with everyone
So well written. Sets time, the relationships. Even if you don't know what a phone booth, an operator, a number on a match book, or the keep the dime line you understand from the song.
James Taylor is another great musician from this era
The world lost a great songwriter, and a great singer in 1973. But because great people continue to listen and watch Jim, he will never be forgotten.
Jim could play phenomenally, but that dude with him, Maury Muehleisen, was a monster!
Flawless, even live!
In very rural areas "party lines", more than 1 family on 1 line and you could listen in on your neighbors calls, were still the norm as late as the early 70's.
This has always been my favorite Croce song. If you've ever been through a painful break-up, it can be hard to suppress the tears while listening.
Especially if the first or second time you thought that you were over the loss and the heartache it turned out you weren't yet.
Back around 2005 I was able to photograph her son who was doing a concert with Strings Attached in Austin, TX. He looks a lot like his father.
This is one of my favorite songs of all time!
Fantastic analysis. As always you've taught me something about why I love the songs I've always loved. (KROH-chee by the way, an Italian name)
Kroh-Cheh in fact, in Italian, the vows aren't pronounced as hard vows, but soft vows.
Jim missed a college concert date , before he made it Big...he went back to make the concert up, a year later...he and the other guitarist died in a plane crash leaving that concert..Tragic Loss...and I believe he was 30..and the guy in the glasses, was 23. = (...singing GREAT, but also their FLAWLESS GUITAR!...pronounced CRO-CHEE
Shout out to Maury, masterful harmony and accompaniment. They died together. - Edit. And I see there’s a big section on him. Excellent.
"crow-chee", not "crowse". Great reaction!
Croce and Chapin and James Taylor were specialists in open storytelling in their songwriting. there's specifics illustrating wider themes. kinda miss that. Adele has a little bit of this... and Ed Sheeran... but not so much anymore...
Check out "dreaming again, and Alabama rain". They didn't get much radio play in the day. These songs were really about something, and usually about self reflection on life.
I appreciate you reminding us of this great singer and song. BTW, his last name has two syllables and is pronounced KRO chee, not a monosyllabic "crose".
Rick Beato also reacted to this. Along with a long career in most aspects of music he taught music in New York's university system. Iknow he'll spend time on the chord progessions.
Another band that we lost in a plane crash at about the same time Chase. Their big hit was Got to Get in on. The band had four outstanding trumpet players who would cascabing trumpet waterfalls. Saw them live in college.
Have you done “Moonshadow” by Cat Stevens / Yusuf? TONS of chords.
The Canadian singer-songwriter, Stan Rogers, died in a plane wreck as well. It was a commercial flight in Texas.
Due to that crash, we now have running lights on the carpets of planes to help folks crawling in smoke find exits.
Jim Croce’s music just takes me to a different place mentally. Such a wonderful, unique artist.
Fantastic Review! Jim Croce is surely missed, his song writing and voice was amazing, R.I.P.
Really nice Beth, I always loved Jim Croce's music. I was in high school at the time.
All the chords are courtesy of the master guitarist sitting next to him. I love Jim’s lyrics and the way he sings but Maury doesn’t get enough credit for the distinctive guitar work.
Crow-chee
"my best old ex-friend Ray"
How much story is revealed in those five words!
Listening to your comments helped me understand why Jim Croce has continued to be a favorite throughout my life. I was only 7 when he was killed. I once heard someone on the radio talk about what one artist would you want to listen to if you were on a deserted island alone? Mine would have been JC. You never get tired of hearing the songs and they stand the test of time due to the story telling and music.
Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Carly Simon, etc., etc. No one within 40 years can hold a candle to these guys.
I simply didn't realize... none of us did... none of us who came of age in my generation (graduated high school in '76)... we didn't know that the music of our 'young lives' would be the greatest music of our 'entire lives'. In hindsight, I'm just so incredibly grateful and glad I had the ecperience and those who've come along since, can share it, if they have the desire to 'hear' it.
Thank You @bigtalk2598 for staking out our 'musical era's' claim of 'greatness'!
👍 All of those were part of my childhood in the early 70's.
@@TerryYelmene I graduated in '81, but was exposed to all the music of the 60's and early 70's by my brothers that graduated in '70, '71 and '73 and a dad who liked classical and big band and mom who was into country.
So much of the music then had bits and pieces of all of it and that to me is a big part of what made that era so good.
My parents were both into Folk Rock at the time. My dad loved Jim Croce. I am very glad to have heard all his music and learned to really love it. He was such a wonderful song writer!
I'm blown away by the ease he has in producing that vocal tone. Also, they're both incredibly precise, both vocally and instrumentaly, but with no eye contact. Not only an amazing piece of songwriting, but a masterclass in rehersal and preparation.
His songs were always playing at home when I was a kid. His death was a big blow to our family. R.I.P., buon anima.
The song lyrics are very good.
Mary Spender also has a video on the song that is worth watching.
ELO also has "telephone line" both artists just needed to talk phone operator, love these songs, thanks 😎
Beth, it's pronounced Crowche.
Lovely reaction Beth. Jim has been a favorite of mine for years. So many amazing songs. I honestly believe that he would have been among the most prolific writers if not for his untimely death. You are right. Far too many wonderful talents snuffed out in crashes. Add to the list you showed John Denver (plane crash) and Stevie Ray Vaughan (helicopter). Just wanted to mention something about Jim's name. Back in the day everyone called him Croce (pronounced like Crow-chee. I thought for years that it was correct. However, I found a video on TH-cam of Jim and Maury on the old Dick Cavett TV show and he asked Jim for a correct pronounciation, and Jim said (Crow- chay). Jim and Maury had such an amazing blend in their vocals. Stay safe and well. Good luck with the album.
Jim's wife says "Cow-chee", so that's what I go with. I've never seen the video of Jim specifically saying his last name before.
@@31Mike Here is a link to that video. You can skip to the end of the song when Cavett joins them on stage. th-cam.com/video/_FEnDx_gaCI/w-d-xo.html
Jim was on his way to play a concert at my college when his plane crashed. A very sad day.
Saw him in concert. All alone, sitting on a tall stool, in FRONT of the main curtain. Unforgetable !
5:34 Jim CROchee
Thank you for reacting to an artist who doesn't get enough attention.
Never heard a phone booth called a phone box. Also, I believe you pronounced his name as 'Crose'? The pronunciation that I grew up with is "Crow-chee" and that's how his wife pronounces it. Others have suggested "Crow-chay" but since his wife says it's "Corw-chee", that's what I go with.
Great reaction Beth!! Beautiful song - all of his works are - they're like a soothing balm (even his more up tempo tracks!) Jim was a bright light extinguished far, FAR too soon! RIP.
I adore the lyricism, harmonies, and delicate melodies of Jim Croce.
They had something called "party lines".
Nothing like this current ass-sucking and devastating hatred that is unfortunately prevalent now.
When I grew up, we were on a party line and if you picked up the phone, you could hear the other people talking and then you’d have to hang up and wait for him to get done
If I was 20 years younger and wealthy, I'd make an effort to meet and perhaps propose to Beth!
(Admit it! Y'all know she's super-fine in all aspects!)
I’d have to be 40 years younger 😊
He's one of the greatest folk singer I'd always like to hear...
Love all her songs most especially "Time in Bottle"❤❤❤
I think his surname is pronounced Crow Chee
Among my top favorite songs from this era, along with Diamonds and Rust by Joan Baez and Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver.
Learn to pronounce his name correctly.
Wonderful reaction to such a heartfelt song. I definitely suggest listening to his song I've Got A Name. Another one that makes me tear up when I listen to it, which I love when a song can bring out those emotions.
And I've Got A Name is perhaps one of the very few that he didn't actually write!
@@AndrewDyson-u2u True, but it was a perfect song for him to perform.
@@mst3ktemple421 Totally; brilliant tune. A shame we didn't see this song recorded live for those acoustic shows he did with Maury. It's on a par with Operator for my fav Jim song. I'm glad it got some traction with the next generation a few years back in Tatantino's D'Jango movie
He had so many lesser known cuts that were emotional gut punches
"Walking Back to Georgia" and "Alabama Rain" about maybe getting the girl back; "New York's Not My Home", a lonely fish out of water; and the Harry Chapin-like "Salon & Saloon" about running into an old friend after many years. All remarkable lyrics.
@@roneichstaedt8853 Those of us who "Photographs and Memories" album are most familiar with all these wonderful anecdotal homages, and others. "Time in a Bottle [and other love songs]" is his other brilliant compilation album.
A National Treasure! God Bless His Soul! Thank You! Be Well!
I grew up listening to this in real time ! *_TRUELY FABULOUS !!!!!_*
personal favorite .... "Hard Way Every Time"
Yes!
"And in chasin' what I thought were moonbeams, I have run into a couple of walls"
I just look at myself and say,
Wouldn'ta done it any other way.
I think you could make a book out of nothing but the last lines of his songs.
Great analysis of the song! Loved the insights into the lyrics and music. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! A massage for the brain. 😎
There's no one there i really wanted to talk to.
This was from a TV special that he did
You’re so cute I could watch you all day
croce one of my all time favs...... folk/bluegrass players of note......AJ Lee, Sarah Jaroz, mandolin orange, i'm with her,
Feb. 3, 1959 Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson “The Big Bopper.” The Day The Music Died - American Pie
Don McLean
*BETH, I HAVE A CHALLEGE FOR ALL "VOICE COACH & SINGING ANALYSIS" REACTORS* About 20-30 reactors do the Pavarotti singing in a tuxedo, but he is NOT him in costume singing opera.. ***I believe that a "CHALLENGE" for ALL Reactors to watch: **_ELINA GARANCA- CARMEN "HABANERA"; DIANA DAMRAU- "QUEEN OF THE NIGHT"; "BRINDISI" FROM LA TRAVIATA; and Broadway like "Oh, what a beutiful morning (Gordon MacRea); "Hey Big Spender" (Sweet Charity); and I will think of several others like PATRICIA JANECKOVA "DOLL'S SONG"_*
Jim Croce and Maury were, next to Lennon and Buddy Holly, the biggest losses to 20th century folk/rock without a doubt.
These guys could have been ANYTHING....
Thank You...for this reaction. - - - IMHO. 'Operator' is among the most cleverly composed lyrical songs ever written. Throughout the entire song, verses and chorus, even the small tonal change bridge, each phrase is 'overheard' as a one ended side of a truly heartbreaking telephone conversation with a complete stranger... a telephone operator. That level of creative genius hasn't come around often in my 65 years of music appreciation. So agian, Thanks for sharing how 'special' this song and its composer are. RIP Jim.
Swift is NOWHERE NEAR the same league as Jim Croce. PLEASE. SERIOUSLY.
Don't do that.
Love Jim Croce! Thank you! Bernadette Peters next? I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry... live...
The one and only Jim Croce
Jim Croce. James Taylor. Gordon Lightfoot. Our own Gilbert O'Sullivan. Your Gerry Rafferty. Just to name a few. All storytellers first and foremost. Also having great musical talent. And what they couldn't do ... they hired musicians, with actual talent, and allowed them to be ... musicians. They were great times.
Also. Check out "I've Got A Name " (Croce) ..
Beautiful
"Operator" is low-hanging fruit compared to other Jim Croce songs. For example, consider this song for "Andy Dufresne" of the "Shawshank Redemption": th-cam.com/video/5-fcvnYDEJ0/w-d-xo.html Then there's this song for "Ellis Boyd 'Red" Redding" as he boards the bus to Port Hampton, Texas: th-cam.com/video/j5sO0HbB5WY/w-d-xo.html Oh well, it's all about getting TH-cam views, so low-hanging fruit it is.
Jim had a number of these very nice songs. But he got really famous with more lighthearted songs like “Bad Bad LeRoy Brown” and “Workin’ at the Car Wash Blues”.
Hi. This song is markedly different from today’s homogenized synthesizer drum machine music songs of today.
It’s incredible. Nobody writes songs like this anymore, especially since the only tool required is an acoustic guitar.
Times have changed.
It’s pronounced Jim “Cro-Chee” …. Not Jim “Crows”
Great review! Keep up your awesome work.
Thanks!
Beth please react to Noah Kahan! A few suggestions:
-The View Between Villages (extended)
-Dial Drunk
-Stick Season
Thx!❤