When tragedy strikes and we lose someone we love, their memory lives on in our hearts and minds. This sentiment holds true for A.J. Croce, son of the late singer-songwriter Jim Croce. A.J. has embarked on a nationwide tour called Croce Plays Croce: 50th Anniversary, which commemorates the legacy of his father through an enchanting blend of his own compositions and his father's iconic songs.
Jim Croce's promising career was cut short when his chartered plane crashed in 1973, just as he was reaching the pinnacle of his success. Having achieved three Top 10 songs in a mere 18 months, including the chart-topping hit 'Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,' Jim's untimely death left behind a void in the music industry and in the hearts of his fans.
Four days prior to the tragic accident, Jim wrote a heartfelt letter to his wife, which ended with a loving message to their young son, A.J. In it, he expressed his love and a hopeful belief that he had 30 more years to go. Now, fifty years later, A.J. Croce, at the age of 52, is paying tribute to his father's music and carrying forward the legacy of two generations of musicians.
A.J.'s approach to the Croce Plays Croce tour is not that of a simple cover band. His goal is to bring his own mark to the stage while celebrating the timeless compositions of his father. Each night, A.J. curates a unique setlist, occasionally taking requests from the audience. He wants the shows to be more than just nostalgia; he wants them to be a living, breathing, and vital experience.
The decision to perform his father's songs publicly was not an easy one for A.J. For years, he declined the opportunity, feeling that it would lack integrity to capitalize solely on his famous surname. However, after a lengthy and successful solo career, which involved collaborations with renowned artists like B.B. King, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown, A.J. felt the time was right to pay tribute to his father's music.
A turning point in A.J.'s relationship to his father's songs occurred in 2012, during a celebration of what would have been Jim's 70th birthday. A.J. performed a few of his father's classics, expecting a critical audience. To his surprise, the crowd embraced him and his interpretations of the songs, breathing new life into the music that meant so much to them. This transformative experience encouraged A.J. to incorporate his father's songs into his repertoire more frequently.
Music has always been woven into the fabric of A.J.'s life. From his earliest memories of crawling around the legs of the family piano, he developed a deep bond with the art form. Music provided solace through the tragic loss of his father and his own personal hardships. A.J. lost his vision at the age of four due to physical abuse, yet music became his guiding light. He honed his skills as a pianist and songwriter, spending hours each day at the keys, inspired by the likes of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.
Sadly, much of Jim Croce's record collection and other memorabilia were lost in a house fire when A.J. was a teenager. However, one cherished possession that survived was Jim's 1933 Gibson L-00 guitar, on which he penned many of his greatest hits. A.J. learned to play the guitar right-handed, despite being left-handed, in order to honor his father's instrument. The guitar serves as a constant reminder of the profound connection and musical heritage they share.
Reconnecting with his father's music took an unexpected turn when A.J. stumbled upon a homemade tape of Jim performing obscure blues and folk tunes. These were the songs that A.J. had been playing since his teenage years, but he had never heard his father play them. The discovery evoked a powerful sense of connection, transcending the boundaries of DNA. It was as though Jim was still communicating with his son through the music he loved.
In Croce Plays Croce, A.J. incorporates these covers, along with his own original compositions and his father's beloved hits, into the setlist. For A.J., performing his father's songs is a healing experience, allowing him to piece together a clearer portrait of his father as both a man and an artist. Jim's songs offer glimpses into different chapters of his life, painting a more complete picture of who he was.
Adding to the familial atmosphere of the tour is A.J.'s mother, Ingrid, who occasionally joins him onstage. Although she struggles with speech aphasia, her singing remains unaffected, allowing her to engage with the audience in a unique way. Her presence is a testament to the enduring bond between A.J. and his parents. They collaborated on the song 'Hey Tomorrow' from Jim's debut album, and A.J. cherishes the moments when his mother joins him to sing the original harmonies.
The emotional centerpiece of the evening is Jim Croce's poignant 1972 hit, 'Photographs and Memories,' accompanied by childhood snapshots and home movies projected above the stage. However, the show always ends on an uplifting note with 'I Got a Name,' released the day after Jim's passing. This particular song holds immense significance for A.J., as it speaks to the legacy he carries as Jim Croce's son and the pride he feels in continuing his father's musical journey.
The Croce Plays Croce: 50th Anniversary tour is far more than a tribute to a legendary artist. It is a testament to the indomitable power of music to heal, inspire, and create connections that transcend time and place. A.J. has found his own voice within the echoes of his father's melodies and has captivated audiences across the nation. As he pays homage to his father's music, he also forges his own path, earning new fans who come for Jim Croce's music and leave as loyal supporters of A.J. Croce.
The ongoing tour serves as a reminder that the ageless power of music can bridge generations and touch countless lives. A.J. Croce's dedication to honoring his father's legacy while forging his own musical identity is a testament to the enduring influence of passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
