Jim Croce

James Joseph Croce (January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) , popularly known as Jim Croce, was an American singer-songwriter. He began playing music in college, finally signing to ABC Records in 1972, releasing You Don&#039

James Joseph Croce (January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) , popularly known as Jim Croce, was an American singer-songwriter. He began playing music in college, finally signing to ABC Records in 1972, releasing You Don't Mess Around With Jim and Life & Times that year. The singles "Time in a Bottle" (written for his newborn son, A.J., who is now an accomplished musician and songwriter in his own right), "You Don't Mess Around with Jim" and "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)" helped the former album reach #1 on the charts in 1974. Jim was born into a Catholic family, but converted to Judaism upon his marriage to the former Ingrid Jacobson.

Croce died in a plane crash on September 20 1973 in Natchitoches, Louisiana, only days before releasing the third ABC album, I Got a Name. The plane crashed after the pilot reportedly suffered a massive heart attack in mid-air. The posthumous release included three hits, "I Got a Name," "Workin' at the Car Wash Blues" and "I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song". Several releases since have sold moderately well. Croce was interred in the Haym Soloman Memorial Park cemetery in Frazer, Pennsylvania.