The father sang the song for his child whom he never got to spend much time with and in return the child sang the song back to the father whom he never got to spend enough time with. Very deep and touching story.
Just this moment I know the sad story of this song is all about. As guitarist also your story Jim is so inspiring which is continued by your son AJ. Now I’m working on the mastery of your song Leroy Brown. Hoping I can fully imitate this during this time of World Quarantine.🙏
Up to now Jim Croce is not inducted in the Rock n Roll Hall of fame, he deserves it for the longest time, instead other mediocre singers are inducted every year.
And we never got to see this song played live by Jim. But now we have this very touching, deeply moving version sung by that very same son! What a gift! Thank you AJ.
Yessir! I recall it was said Jim knew over 700 songs by heart; all the chords and lyrics. A great number of them he wrote himself. Amazing man and missed greatly still. Like Harry Chapin, there's no one who can ever fill the void they left.
@@foxbat00 You better be talking tears of joy of her memories, or you're doing her wrong. Every minute you had together was a blessing from GOD to be cherished & thankful for all the times you had. She wouldn't want you crying sadly...do her right and be happy! If it brings memories, dang it, BE HAPPY! [God might not have put you together at all...got it?]
@@THE-HammerMan I tell everyone, do not feel sorry for me because I lost her, be happy for me that I had her. I'm just trying to fill that half of my soul I lost when she was gone. Thank you sir.
@@karenrogers2826 I remember as a very young kid asking my mom what "Baddest man in the whole damned town" meant, and she said, "Oh, he's saying 'Baddest man in the whole downtown'" (trying to shield my young ears from that terrible word! LOL) and for YEARS and YEARS afterward that's what I heard in the lyrics... Still one of the best sing-along-songs ever written: Easy to learn and catchy lyrics (and an interesting story too). A similar song, also from Jim, is "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" which also has an interesting twist at the end.
His music was poetry. He was up there with Lennon as a songwriter. If he had lived longer there is no telling how many more great songs he would have written.
I agree with you 100% Can you imagine what awesome songs Jim would have done, had he lived? Hypothetical situation: Which artists from the 70's,80's and 90's Do you think Jim would have collaborated with? I had this Crazy Idea that Jim and Freddie Mercury could have made something work as crazy as that sounds. :)
Wow, he sounds so much like his dad singing Time in a bottle. Always loved Jim's music and it's so sad that he left us way too soon. I was little when that song came out and I remember it like it was yesterday.
Jim!He was truly ( one of a Kind) I met him singing in a small Pub in DelcoPa; his song words/lyrics came from his Soul! AJ with your voice&soul your DaD never left Us.God bless U !!,&Thank U....
AJ Croce I sent u the u tube response 1 week ago your Dad was (One of a kind singer/ song writer) on my granddaughter I pad , I Am 79 Years Old. Your Dad sang at a Pub (The Riddle Paddock)Delaware cty ,Pa. your Mom&Dad we’re livening in Chester cty when u were born .I am a veteran USArmy. Worked in a sport/Ski Shop & Sold Jim a pair of hiking boots ! he is wearing them on his album cover(The Definitive collection,Time in a bottle 1972 )My daughter lives in SanDeigo. My wife&I would like to say Hello to your Mom & U if possible, and have dinner at her restaurant in California,please let me know if you will be touring in Pa,Nj,orCa.Thanks so much, Jim& Bonnie
I wrote the lyrics to this song out and put it in a letter to my fiancé when he was away at school. My mother eventually hid his letters and didn’t let me know he had phoned so we both thought the other didn’t care anymore. He found me through the internet 30 odd years later. We had married other people- good people. So we would e-mail and occasionally talk on the phone about what was happening in our lives. He came down with cancer last year and died January 14, 2021. Valentines Day was the anniversary of our first date. I still love him, always will.
Not sure if i believed it when it happened. I just couldn't believe someone like that could be gone. Same when John Lennon died. It was hard for me to even process it. Like a light gone out...
Ahh hell, such a sad story. Always loved Jim's songs: Operator is still one of my favorite songs of all time. All the best to you AJ, your day would sure be proud.
"Something in my eyes You know it happens every time I think about a love that I thought would save me..." A perfect marriage of word, music, and emotion.
It's a sad story but also a good one. Jim Croce used his music to talk to his son years, even decades after he died. I'm sure when he wrote "TIAB," he probably never thought of it as an enduring message to AJ -- he figured he'd have 40-50 more years to do that, he could write him more songs or just tell him face to face. Jim probably thought of "TIAB" as a nice song that could also be taken as a man-woman love song so it could be a big hit on its own (as it was). So it ended up that Jim died and "TIAB" stands as a father's final message to his son. And it turned out to be as good as anything he would have written to him 50 years later.
I had the privilege of speaking for hour with Jim Croce's widow at her club / bar / restaurant in San Diego in the late 90's while in San Diego for Sea Trials of an ROV system we built for the Navy. Such a warm wonderful and welcoming woman sharing so many stories of her life and adventures with Jim and all their friends. All of us that were there that night were blessed by her presence and hospitality. I still think of her every time I hear one of Jim's songs.
My god this story is just so heartbreakingly life affirming. Thank you for this lovely profile. I remember Jim's music as an anthem of sorts to my life. Who can't remember "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown" and think of Jim, or "Carwash Blues"...... As Dan Fogelberg would say, AJ is a living legacy to the leader of the band. Thank you for such a beautiful story.
I loved Jim when i was young. Time in a bottle is one of my all time favorites. So sad when he died. So happy his son is carrying on and doing it so well.
One of music's greatest tragedies. I was born in the 80s, grew up listening to Jim Croce, because of my dad. Timeless music. He had so much more to give.
Your dad would have tears in his eyes over this. We saw him as an old friend, a guy who lived a hard life, but seem to find the humor, and beauty in it all. I don't know what his personal life was like, but you could here the love in his music for those who were trusted to be there.
Thought when I was 6 that this was the most beautiful song I'd ever heard and decided it would be my favorite. I'm 52 now and it still is both of these things to me.
Watching Johnny Carson with my wife one night after working the second shift. Carson announced that this was a young man making his national debut ...Jim Croce. He sang "Operator" and when he was finished I turned to my wife and said" wow, that boy is going to be a star." And he truly was. We all miss you Jim...
This song tears at my heart. I worked with pediatric cancer patients and grew quite close to one patient in particular. After knowing her for 2 plus years she lost her battle just before her 7th birthday. I heard this song shortly after receiving the news. I still cry when hearing this song and she passed away 26 yrs ago.
Ingrid's talk about that last letter.....it's always the first things we remember about that soulmate and the last things too. My DH died at 48 yrs old in 2002....17 yrs and 16 days ago. The last thing he said to me was " You know, I've always loved the way you smile, the way you are." He hugged me and within 30 minutes he was DEAD because an ER physician wouldn't believe me about his seizures that were hard to control. Even the coroner said that my DH, my soulmate shouldn't have died that day....... These last 17 yrs have been difficult. I've tried to move on, I can't. When you've been given love like that, you can never replace it, and who would want to?
@holiday 2406 How sad for you. But by this telling your story reaches others of like minded love-stories. My sweet soulmate dies weeks short of five years, now. I miss him more each day, instead of less. I recall the way I knew he was THE ONE when I suggested we needed a song, and he casually told me we had one: ‘Color My World’ by the greatest of all time, Chicago. By that I knew that he was telling me how he felt, as did I. He loved the amazing Terry Kath, who was also taken from us much too soon! Luck and love to all who listen to the very best music of all time. I’ll never stop listening, until I no longer am able! And I wish healed hearts to all who miss THE one, who is irreplaceable!
never, in my life, have I felt so full of all kinds of emotions, as I did whenever I listen to this song. It definitely makes me really cry sad and happy tears, deep down.
I was a working guitarist/singer during the time of Jim Croce. I covered all his songs and loved his style. Being Italian-American and a musician, I always felt a strong connection with him. His early death left me numb. All you have to do is play one of his albums...he's here again...good bye jim...I'll be sure to catch one of your concerts when I get to Heaven...t cross
Time in a bottle was played at the funeral of a very dear friend and it was an instrumental version which I will always remember forever. Listening to the original version makes it my favourite tunes of all time! Thank you for the wonderful music 🙌🙌🙌🙌
AJ, this was so touching. Your parents obviously loved each other so very much. Please enjoy your father's gift to you. Time in a Bottle has always been a favorite of mine.
What a powerful video. I was lucky enough to be see Jim host the Midnight Special back in June of 73 and remember his humbleness. He was so funny, laidback and kind. I was sitting on the floor probably about 4 rows in and I can remember it like it was yesterday. I can so appreciate Time in a Bottle more now at 62 than I could at 16. RIP Jim, Thank you for the music you left us. ❤️
Oh God, the flood of feelings that rise up immediately....he touched me so deeply at the time, and ever since. His gentler songs are very close to Gordon lightfoot's sung stories. Heartfelt. My favorite way to listen to his songs is on his live disc, more gentle, delicate. Not so produced as radio versions, like being in the room with him. He played so much live, and there he was his best. I knew an iron worker who worked with him putting up high rise buildings in Philly. Said he never met a nicer, more decent guy. Always missed, by so many. Thanks for this. A gift. Well done on this series. I'm sharing them with every music lover I know.
I loved Jim Croce. I think I knew every word to every song. I can remember laying on my living room floor and listening to albums and then 8 track over and over and over again.
I remember the first time I heard this song. I drove to nurse’s training at Indiana Central College in Indianapolis in 1973. The song came on the radio and even though I was late for class I sat and listened in my car til the end. The announcer said, “That was ‘Time In A Bottle,” by the late Jim Croce ... Wait! What?!! Later I told my husband about it and he knew who Jim Croce was. “I cried and I said to my husband, “I’m grieving for someone I’ve never even met.” That was many years ago now and this song still touches my heart especially since my husband died suddenly at age 53. Thank you for sharing this. Music delves into the lives of us all, I believe. I love you was the last thing my husband said to me as well on the phone. Life is funny
I was devastated when Jim Croce died. I was 13 and my mom told me when I got home from school because she knew how much I loved him and his music. One of my grandfathers also died in 1973, so that was a tough year for me.
Time In A Bottle has always been my favorite Jim Croce song, and this is a great story to go along with the history of the song. Who on earth, could vote this THUMBS DOWN? Folks with no compassion or taste.
My late husband and I chose "Time In Bottle" as our song, it was played at our wedding and often after the event. I still sing it today, and it means even more now that I understand the rest of the story. Thank you.
Don't know why but that song has always brought tears to my eyes since I was like 8 years old. I'm 51 now and the tears are rolling once again. Thank you for touching my heart. With my love to you and yours. Will
Wow! I was immediately a very big fan and was in the military and was an instrument flight instructor and was instructing a student in the very storm front in which Jim died and was greatly saddened by it. He would have been bigger than Elvis!! No doubt! This video is so very endearing and thanks so much for sharing and the very, very best of luck!
I’ve always loved Jim Croce. So much talent and warmth. He was so talented and gone to soon. So glad to see his son and wife keep his memory and music alive.
So sad, I've always loved Jim and am a huge fan of his songs. He was from pennsylvania as am I so he's a hometown boy. I know he's singing in heaven and I'm glad his son is doing so well.
One of the BEST songs ever written. His rendition is magic. It broke my heart when I heard of your Dad's death. I was a young man of 30. I was a fan. I was a singer/musician. Continue your Dad's legacy. 👍
I had a son die young, and the inverse of this - a father who holds his son in his heart when he can't hold his son in his arms... I'm glad AJ is finally singing his father's stuff. It warms my heart.
It’s really nice to see AJ all grown up, and that he too is a musician. I really loved Jim’s music; I was in jr high/high school when his songs were popular. I still love them all to this day. “If words could make wishes come true,” Jim would have lived to see his son grow into a man and continued with his wonderful music. God bless you AJ, and your beautiful mother.
Losing Jim Croce was one of the saddest most tragic losses in popular music.. The world needed another 30 or 60 years from him. How very blessed we are to have the gift of his music that he left us.
The 70's where settling down after the 60's. Jim Croce was a big part and a big reason for that. We were all in it together. That's how he made me feel. His songs bring back so many amazing memories for me as a teenager. Tears of joy all because of him. Be blessed. :-)
I still remember learning about Jim's plane crash when I was in college and it really saddened me a lot. I played many of his songs when I played coffee houses back in the day! A great songwriter but a better man was he!
I saw AJ at a show he did last week in Madisonville, KY. He was awesome! That man ROCKS on the piano! His energy was so incredible. It was a great show and I highly recommend seeing him if you get a chance to.
'You never know the minute ... ' Boy, is that saying so true in this case. That letter he wrote to her before boarding the plane is just so .... heartbreaking.
Jim's death was the first of any musician's to hurt me. For some reason, even at the age of 11, his lyrics made an impression in my mind and in my heart. Listening to his songs now instantly takes me back to my youth and the sad regrets of long lost love- may you R.I.P. Jim...Thank You for your songs and the memories!
Wow that was so touching. Even as a kid in the '70's for some reason I really liked this song. So magical to see Jim with his family on film, and loving them. What a legacy he left his son. That letter Mrs. Groce read was hauting. He was talking about the first 60 yrs., yet he didn't get to see 50. We can make plans and promises, but the truth is, none of us are promised tomorrow. It' s wise to say, " If it be the LORD'S will." Amen.
Aww this is my end of life song to my husband & he will not know until then! Thank you for such a absolutely beautiful🎶 song. Oh my gosh you sound like your Dad , God bless you & your family ! Luv yah 💕
I was just talking about Jim... God I miss him,, his music.... when he died, I had every peice of his work! Even the Ingrid and Jim album. He would have truly changed music, changed times maybe, he changed my life with his music. Like they say, " If there's a Rock n Roll Heaven, I know they got a hell of a band" Gone, but never forgotten, rest in peace, Jim, you are so missed. I jope his son carries on. God bless
I had this live CD of Jim about 10 yrs ago. It was recorded in a small club and I absolutely loved it. I really felt a connection with each song and Jim gave life to those bcz they were little stories. Bad Bad Leroy Brown, Dont mess Around with Jim, Operator, I've Got a Name, Time in a Bottle, Walkin Back to Georgia. Those songs are masterpieces.
Jim Croce was one of my favorite singers in my 20’s. I was in Spain when his plane crashed. Sad time for me. So delighted his son is following in his footsteps. A GREAT video, thank you!
WOW, AJ, so touching! I loved your Dad's music and was crushed when I heard that he was killed in a small plane crash. I even remember where I was when I heard the news. Still chokes me up. Very sweet that your Mom and Dad were singing Gordon Lightfoot's song, "Song For A Winter's Night". That's another GREAT song, like "Time in a Bottle".
Wow, I am not one that has any kind of emotions towards stars per se, but this was so moving and touching that it brought a tear to my eyes. Jim was a musical genius who inspired me greatly as a child when I received my first guitar. His music remains near and dear to my heart and to see his son play Jim's music was overwhelmingly emotional. It is clear to see that his son has inherited Jim's talent for music. His son is a very gifted artist in his own right. It was such a blessing to hear him play his father's song. Music is meant to stir the heart and soul and this clearly does just that. Without a doubt, Jim is looking down at his boy and beaming with pride!! 💖💜💖💜💖💜💖
The father sang the song for his child whom he never got to spend much time with and in return the child sang the song back to the father whom he never got to spend enough time with. Very deep and touching story.
Cats in the Cradle
@@googoo-gjoob this doesn't apply to this scenario.
Just this moment I know the sad story of this song is all about.
As guitarist also your story Jim is so inspiring which is continued by your son AJ.
Now I’m working on the mastery of your song Leroy Brown.
Hoping I can fully imitate this during this time of World Quarantine.🙏
Up to now Jim Croce is not inducted in the Rock n Roll Hall of fame, he deserves it for the longest time, instead other mediocre singers are inducted every year.
And we never got to see this song played live by Jim. But now we have this very touching, deeply moving version sung by that very same son! What a gift! Thank you AJ.
Many singers have died prematurely but this one gutted me as no other. Jim was a masterclass in song craftsmanship.
Yessir! I recall it was said Jim knew over 700 songs by heart; all the chords and lyrics. A great number of them he wrote himself. Amazing man and missed greatly still. Like Harry Chapin, there's no one who can ever fill the void they left.
HIs voice was the voice of my youth in the 70's. So hard then, miss what he could have been had he lived longer!
My wife and I loved this song and sang it together countless times. She has now passed and I cant even hear it without crying..
@@foxbat00 You better be talking tears of joy of her memories, or you're doing her wrong. Every minute you had together was a blessing from GOD to be cherished & thankful for all the times you had. She wouldn't want you crying sadly...do her right and be happy! If it brings memories, dang it, BE HAPPY! [God might not have put you together at all...got it?]
@@THE-HammerMan I tell everyone, do not feel sorry for me because I lost her, be happy for me that I had her. I'm just trying to fill that half of my soul I lost when she was gone. Thank you sir.
I was named Leroy from the Croce song. I was able to tell AJ when we met at my record shop. A powerful moment for me.
Great story
SaeHeyKid , is your last name Brown? That’s a great sing along song.
@@karenrogers2826 I remember as a very young kid asking my mom what "Baddest man in the whole damned town" meant, and she said, "Oh, he's saying 'Baddest man in the whole downtown'" (trying to shield my young ears from that terrible word! LOL) and for YEARS and YEARS afterward that's what I heard in the lyrics... Still one of the best sing-along-songs ever written: Easy to learn and catchy lyrics (and an interesting story too).
A similar song, also from Jim, is "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" which also has an interesting twist at the end.
I was named Leroy after an alcoholic toothless f**k.
@@karenrogers2826 middle name
His music was poetry. He was up there with Lennon as a songwriter. If he had lived longer there is no telling how many more great songs he would have written.
AGREED
He was way past Lennon let’s be honest
I agree with you 100%
Can you imagine what awesome songs Jim would have done, had he lived?
Hypothetical situation: Which artists from the 70's,80's and 90's Do you think Jim would have collaborated with?
I had this Crazy Idea that Jim and Freddie Mercury could have made something work as crazy as that sounds. :)
@@brianmcfarland6548 I think it's YOU who needs to be honest!
I totally agree, His songs & music was poetry, Relaxing & Says what he felt in his heart...
Your dad would have been proud AJ 👏
Man he looks just like his dad!
@@CarlosCruz-ll5ez OMG! No kidding, huh!
@@IFY0USEEKAY hey keyboard troll no I am not kidding!!!
@@CarlosCruz-ll5ez Lol! Yeah, I was agreeing with you, he looks just like his dad. Sounds quite a bit like him as well!
I believe his Dad IS watching & respect, and is very proud!!! Not only did his son do this beautiful song justice, but he spoke with love and respect!
Wow, he sounds so much like his dad singing Time in a bottle. Always loved Jim's music and it's so sad that he left us way too soon. I was little when that song came out and I remember it like it was yesterday.
The son's voice is often similar to the Dad's.
Absolutely
Don't you see what has happened.........He did save time in a bottle!!
One of the first couple of records I ever bought 'Time in a Bottle'.(when it had just come out).Jim was real as hell.
This is why you tube was invented.
Incredible.
doug peters At least UA-cam is good for some things.
Quite agree
Videos and stories like this outweighs all the craps in the UA-cam.
Thanks to Bangladeshi guy for inventing UA-cam
"Remember, it's the first 60 years that count and I've got 30 to go."
I nearly teared up when Ingrid read that out.
Bless Jim's soul. 🙏🏾
😢
I’m 61 and have spent years sieving away on my property, now I really feel like I wasted a lot of time and there’s no years left that count 😞
AJ singing the song that his dad wrote about him...so emotional. ❤️
CHILLS
The apple doesn’t fall from the tree. You sound just like him. Well done beautiful music .
But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them.
Jim!He was truly ( one of a Kind) I met him singing in a small Pub in DelcoPa; his song words/lyrics came from his Soul! AJ with your voice&soul your DaD never left Us.God bless U !!,&Thank U....
AJ Croce I sent u the u tube response 1 week ago your Dad was (One of a kind singer/ song writer) on my granddaughter I pad , I Am 79 Years Old. Your Dad sang at a Pub (The Riddle Paddock)Delaware cty ,Pa. your Mom&Dad we’re livening in Chester cty when u were born .I am a veteran USArmy. Worked in a sport/Ski Shop & Sold Jim a pair of hiking boots ! he is wearing them on his album cover(The Definitive collection,Time in a bottle 1972 )My daughter lives in SanDeigo. My wife&I would like to say Hello to your Mom & U if possible, and have dinner at her restaurant in California,please let me know if you will be touring in Pa,Nj,orCa.Thanks so much, Jim& Bonnie
A lyrical statement that stands TRUE through the test of “time,” it’s so sadly, ironically TRUE!!!
Anybody old enough to remember this song wish they could put "time in a bottle"
Amen....
I wrote the lyrics to this song out and put it in a letter to my fiancé when he was away at school. My mother eventually hid his letters and didn’t let me know he had phoned so we both thought the other didn’t care anymore. He found me through the internet 30 odd years later. We had married other people- good people. So we would e-mail and occasionally talk on the phone about what was happening in our lives. He came down with cancer last year and died January 14, 2021. Valentines Day was the anniversary of our first date. I still love him, always will.
Certainly do
You can see his father in his looks and in his voice. I wish him very much success.
I was only 14 when Jim died. I cried my eyes out then and I cried again today as I watched the beautiful story behind this wonderful song and man.
Yep. Was about the same age.
Not sure if i believed it when it happened. I just couldn't believe someone like that could be gone. Same when John Lennon died. It was hard for me to even process it. Like a light gone out...
I was 16 when John was killed, I'll never forget it. I can still see the front page of the paper in a shop window
Ahh hell, such a sad story. Always loved Jim's songs: Operator is still one of my favorite songs of all time. All the best to you AJ, your day would sure be proud.
I second that on Operator. Oooo that song is genius.
"Something in my eyes
You know it happens every time
I think about a love that I thought
would save me..."
A perfect marriage of word, music, and emotion.
It's a sad story but also a good one. Jim Croce used his music to talk to his son years, even decades after he died.
I'm sure when he wrote "TIAB," he probably never thought of it as an enduring message to AJ -- he figured he'd have 40-50 more years to do that, he could write him more songs or just tell him face to face. Jim probably thought of "TIAB" as a nice song that could also be taken as a man-woman love song so it could be a big hit on its own (as it was).
So it ended up that Jim died and "TIAB" stands as a father's final message to his son. And it turned out to be as good as anything he would have written to him 50 years later.
Beautiful but sad footage. Really cool people.
I had the privilege of speaking for hour with Jim Croce's widow at her club / bar / restaurant in San Diego in the late 90's while in San Diego for Sea Trials of an ROV system we built for the Navy. Such a warm wonderful and welcoming woman sharing so many stories of her life and adventures with Jim and all their friends. All of us that were there that night were blessed by her presence and hospitality. I still think of her every time I hear one of Jim's songs.
AWWW.... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY....
Damm it!!, this one made me 😢, it's so emotional, the connection jim felt towards his new responsibilities, and AJ playing the music now
My god this story is just so heartbreakingly life affirming. Thank you for this lovely profile. I remember Jim's music as an anthem of sorts to my life. Who can't remember "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown" and think of Jim, or "Carwash Blues"...... As Dan Fogelberg would say, AJ is a living legacy to the leader of the band. Thank you for such a beautiful story.
so well said... TY
K
Dianne B. Dee - Fogelberg...another one gone way too soon. He also had a way of weaving stories.
I loved Jim when i was young. Time in a bottle is one of my all time favorites. So sad when he died. So happy his son is carrying on and doing it so well.
It's 2020 and it still plays to my heart. A.J. has his ad's voice. Beautiful.
Whoa!
What a back story. Sad and awesome at the same time. Legend.
This made me cry.
Can you even imagine the quantity of beautiful music we would have today if Jim would have lived?
Wow. I shed some tears watching this. I feel bad that AJ and Jim couldn’t spend more time together.
and that is the real tragedy; sure the world lost Jim in 1973, but AJ lost his dad
Wow, just wow! He's his father's son, not only in looks, but in talent.
One of music's greatest tragedies. I was born in the 80s, grew up listening to Jim Croce, because of my dad. Timeless music. He had so much more to give.
Your dad would have tears in his eyes over this. We saw him as an old friend, a guy who lived a hard life, but seem to find the humor, and beauty in it all. I don't know what his personal life was like, but you could here the love in his music for those who were trusted to be there.
We all needed this person for some more time, Love to Jim Croce
Thought when I was 6 that this was the most beautiful song I'd ever heard and decided it would be my favorite. I'm 52 now and it still is both of these things to me.
Watching Johnny Carson with my wife one night after working the second shift. Carson announced that this was a young man making his national debut ...Jim Croce. He sang "Operator" and when he was finished I turned to my wife and said" wow, that boy is going to be a star." And he truly was. We all miss you Jim...
OMG I don't think I've heard the word "hootenanny" for something like 40 years.
Nooks Holland has a tv show called Hootenanny, goes out every New Year's Eve here in th UK
This song tears at my heart. I worked with pediatric cancer patients and grew quite close to one patient in particular. After knowing her for 2 plus years she lost her battle just before her 7th birthday. I heard this song shortly after receiving the news. I still cry when hearing this song and she passed away 26 yrs ago.
Heavy stuff. I had trouble getting through this one.
Ingrid's talk about that last letter.....it's always the first things we remember about that soulmate and the last things too. My DH died at 48 yrs old in 2002....17 yrs and 16 days ago. The last thing he said to me was " You know, I've always loved the way you smile, the way you are." He hugged me and within 30 minutes he was DEAD because an ER physician wouldn't believe me about his seizures that were hard to control. Even the coroner said that my DH, my soulmate shouldn't have died that day.......
These last 17 yrs have been difficult. I've tried to move on, I can't. When you've been given love like that, you can never replace it, and who would want to?
@holiday 2406 How sad for you. But by this telling your story reaches others of like minded love-stories. My sweet soulmate dies weeks short of five years, now. I miss him more each day, instead of less. I recall the way I knew he was THE ONE when I suggested we needed a song, and he casually told me we had one: ‘Color My World’ by the greatest of all time, Chicago. By that I knew that he was telling me how he felt, as did I. He loved the amazing Terry Kath, who was also taken from us much too soon! Luck and love to all who listen to the very best music of all time. I’ll never stop listening, until I no longer am able! And I wish healed hearts to all who miss THE one, who is irreplaceable!
Sorry.......God bless you.....
My condolences... but try to be thankful you had that kind of love, for many of us haven’t found that, yet.
sorry to all who posted here for your losses
I'm so very sorry 😢
That song gives such a haunting/another life/sentimental/deja vu feel!!
never, in my life, have I felt so full of all kinds of emotions, as I did whenever I listen to this song. It definitely makes me really cry sad and happy tears, deep down.
It's definitely one of those timeless, lightening in a bottle [no pun intended] songs; poetry to music
I was a working guitarist/singer during the time of Jim Croce. I covered all his songs and loved his style. Being Italian-American and a musician, I always felt a strong connection with him. His early death left me numb. All you have to do is play one of his albums...he's here again...good bye jim...I'll be sure to catch one of your concerts when I get to Heaven...t cross
Time in a bottle was played at the funeral of a very dear friend and it was an instrumental version which I will always remember forever. Listening to the original version makes it my favourite tunes of all time! Thank you for the wonderful music 🙌🙌🙌🙌
AJ, this was so touching. Your parents obviously loved each other so very much. Please enjoy your father's gift to you. Time in a Bottle has always been a favorite of mine.
so very emotional... but im glad that AJ followed his father's footsteps...
What a powerful video. I was lucky enough to be see Jim host the Midnight Special back in June of 73 and remember his humbleness. He was so funny, laidback and kind. I was sitting on the floor probably about 4 rows in and I can remember it like it was yesterday. I can so appreciate Time in a Bottle more now at 62 than I could at 16. RIP Jim, Thank you for the music you left us. ❤️
would have been just awesome to be there to see him and Maury go about it
Wow. The letter at the end choked me up. So sad.
Oh God, the flood of feelings that rise up immediately....he touched me so deeply at the time, and ever since. His gentler songs are very close to Gordon lightfoot's sung stories. Heartfelt. My favorite way to listen to his songs is on his live disc, more gentle, delicate. Not so produced as radio versions, like being in the room with him. He played so much live, and there he was his best. I knew an iron worker who worked with him putting up high rise buildings in Philly. Said he never met a nicer, more decent guy. Always missed, by so many. Thanks for this. A gift. Well done on this series. I'm sharing them with every music lover I know.
I loved Jim Croce. I think I knew every word to every song. I can remember laying on my living room floor and listening to albums and then 8 track over and over and over again.
Wow.....Jim Croce is smiling and so so proud of his family...
Thank you for sharing..
Classic song! Just like “ Photograph and Memories “
I remember the first time I heard this song. I drove to nurse’s training at Indiana Central College in Indianapolis in 1973. The song came on the radio and even though I was late for class I sat and listened in my car til the end. The announcer said, “That was ‘Time In A Bottle,” by the late Jim Croce ... Wait! What?!! Later I told my husband about it and he knew who Jim Croce was. “I cried and I said to my husband, “I’m grieving for someone I’ve never even met.” That was many years ago now and this song still touches my heart especially since my husband died suddenly at age 53. Thank you for sharing this. Music delves into the lives of us all, I believe.
I love you was the last thing my husband said to me as well on the phone. Life is funny
I was devastated when Jim Croce died. I was 13 and my mom told me when I got home from school because she knew how much I loved him and his music. One of my grandfathers also died in 1973, so that was a tough year for me.
Time In A Bottle has always been my favorite Jim Croce song, and this is a great story to go along with the history of the song. Who on earth, could vote this THUMBS DOWN? Folks with no compassion or taste.
My late husband and I chose "Time In Bottle" as our song, it was played at our wedding and often after the event. I still sing it today, and it means even more now that I understand the rest of the story. Thank you.
Don't know why but that song has always brought tears to my eyes since I was like 8 years old. I'm 51 now and the tears are rolling once again. Thank you for touching my heart.
With my love to you and yours. Will
Wow! I was immediately a very big fan and was in the military and was an instrument flight instructor and was instructing a student in the very storm front in which Jim died and was greatly saddened by it. He would have been bigger than Elvis!! No doubt! This video is so very endearing and thanks so much for sharing and the very, very best of luck!
I’ve always loved Jim Croce. So much talent and warmth. He was so talented and gone to soon. So glad to see his son and wife keep his memory and music alive.
So sad, I've always loved Jim and am a huge fan of his songs. He was from pennsylvania as am I so he's a hometown boy. I know he's singing in heaven and I'm glad his son is doing so well.
One of the BEST songs ever written. His rendition is magic. It broke my heart when I heard of your Dad's death. I was a young man of 30. I was a fan. I was a singer/musician. Continue your Dad's legacy. 👍
He was taken from this world much too soon. He lives on in his son. AJ looks and sounds so much like his father. Love this vid.
wow he looks just like his dad ,, I miss Jim so much. his songs got me through so much back in the days , i'm 60 now and miss him deeply
This was my class song in 1974. I love Jim Croce’s voice. Thank you for the bittersweet video.
I had a son die young, and the inverse of this - a father who holds his son in his heart when he can't hold his son in his arms... I'm glad AJ is finally singing his father's stuff. It warms my heart.
Wow he sounds like his dad it’s one of my favorite songs of his what a great tribute thank you.
It’s really nice to see AJ all grown up, and that he too is a musician. I really loved Jim’s music; I was in jr high/high school when his songs were popular. I still love them all to this day. “If words could make wishes come true,” Jim would have lived to see his son grow into a man and continued with his wonderful music. God bless you AJ, and your beautiful mother.
One of the last great songwriters. Rest in peace Jim.
Losing Jim Croce was one of the saddest most tragic losses in popular music.. The world needed another 30 or 60 years from him. How very blessed we are to have the gift of his music that he left us.
"Time in a Bottle" is a beautiful song. I loved it way back in '73 and still do.
The 70's where settling down after the 60's. Jim Croce was a big part and a big reason for that. We were all in it together. That's how he made me feel. His songs bring back so many amazing memories for me as a teenager. Tears of joy all because of him. Be blessed. :-)
So, so sad. The loss of a great rising talent. His little boy has done well for himself.
JIM LIVES!
This son is the living imagine of his Father! How fortunate we are to have a descendant of such a phenomenal human. LOVE THIS🥰
This song always makes me think of my dad. It was so nice to hear the story behind the song.
This so g has always made me smile and cry. We lost a great storyteller and musician way to early in his life.
Such a sad loss for music. He was so great, wrote from the heart.
Jims's all songs are one of my best fav.folk songs....i always played it...so great songs 💕i live jims in all his ways to sing
I still remember learning about Jim's plane crash when I was in college and it really saddened me a lot. I played many of his songs when I played coffee houses back in the day! A great songwriter but a better man was he!
I saw AJ at a show he did last week in Madisonville, KY. He was awesome! That man ROCKS on the piano! His energy was so incredible. It was a great show and I highly recommend seeing him if you get a chance to.
Aww, he sounds so much like his dad. Jim would have been so proud.
Always loved his music. I still sing along with him wishing he was still here. If he only knew how much he is missed. May he rest in peace.
I didn't know your dad personally but I know your Dad would be so proud of his son.Keep on singing little brother.
'You never know the minute ... '
Boy, is that saying so true in this case.
That letter he wrote to her before boarding the plane is just so .... heartbreaking.
Young man, we loved your dad as you do... 62 years old and I remember
We were robbed a chance to listen to many other of his songs-to-be because of his tragic death.
Meanwhile Justin Bieber will live to 100😑😏
A great loss but the music he left is to be thankful for.
Jim's music was a part of my youth. It takes me back to those years each time I hear his songs.
RIP, Jim Croce, thanks for the many great tunes, and peace and love to your family, friends, and millions of fans.
I miss your dad very much. Truly love his beautiful soul and so grateful he shared his beautiful music. Thank you for this.
I too have always loved your father's music.
Jim's death was the first of any musician's to hurt me. For some reason, even at the age of 11, his lyrics made an impression in my mind and in my heart. Listening to his songs now instantly takes me back to my youth and the sad regrets of long lost love- may you R.I.P. Jim...Thank You for your songs and the memories!
Wow that was so touching. Even as a kid in the '70's for some reason I really liked this song. So magical to see Jim with his family on film, and loving them. What a legacy he left his son. That letter Mrs. Groce read was hauting. He was talking about the first 60 yrs., yet he didn't get to see 50. We can make plans and promises, but the truth is, none of us are promised tomorrow. It' s wise to say, " If it be the LORD'S will." Amen.
Aww this is my end of life song to my husband & he will not know until then! Thank you for such a absolutely beautiful🎶 song. Oh my gosh you sound like your Dad , God bless you & your family !
Luv yah 💕
I was just talking about Jim... God I miss him,, his music.... when he died, I had every peice of his work! Even the Ingrid and Jim album. He would have truly changed music, changed times maybe, he changed my life with his music. Like they say, " If there's a Rock n Roll Heaven, I know they got a hell of a band" Gone, but never forgotten, rest in peace, Jim, you are so missed. I jope his son carries on. God bless
It's very powerful to hear his son with such a similar tone...it would be such a blessing to have Jim still with us today.
I used to play this on violin in the 80's..... Then i hear his son play it. friggin awesome!!!!!!!!
Memories don't leave like people do so sad
My dad bought me this music in the early 70’s and it is timeless. And his son has a gentler version of the same timbre if that makes sense.
I had this live CD of Jim about 10 yrs ago. It was recorded in a small club and I absolutely loved it. I really felt a connection with each song and Jim gave life to those bcz they were little stories. Bad Bad Leroy Brown, Dont mess Around with Jim, Operator, I've Got a Name, Time in a Bottle, Walkin Back to Georgia. Those songs are masterpieces.
Jim Croce was one of my favorite singers in my 20’s. I was in Spain when his plane crashed. Sad time for me. So delighted his son is following in his footsteps. A GREAT video, thank you!
WOW, AJ, so touching! I loved your Dad's music and was crushed when I heard that he was killed in a small plane crash. I even remember where I was when I heard the news. Still chokes me up. Very sweet that your Mom and Dad were singing Gordon Lightfoot's song, "Song For A Winter's Night". That's another GREAT song, like "Time in a Bottle".
Returned from Nam when I heard this song...
Brought tears to my soul..
R.I.P.
Wow, I am not one that has any kind of emotions towards stars per se, but this was so moving and touching that it brought a tear to my eyes. Jim was a musical genius who inspired me greatly as a child when I received my first guitar. His music remains near and dear to my heart and to see his son play Jim's music was overwhelmingly emotional. It is clear to see that his son has inherited Jim's talent for music. His son is a very gifted artist in his own right. It was such a blessing to hear him play his father's song. Music is meant to stir the heart and soul and this clearly does just that. Without a doubt, Jim is looking down at his boy and beaming with pride!! 💖💜💖💜💖💜💖
Your Dad would be so proud! I love your music and your voice! Amazing!
He’s my favourite singer/songwriter of all time. Such a legend gone too soon
Wow so inspirational. You get em AJ! 👍🏻💙