*first time* 🎵 Jim Croce - Bad Bad Leroy Brown REACTION

[@bradsullivan2495]

A huge hit in 1973. Sadly, just a few months after it topped the charts, he was killed in a plane crash in September of that year.

[@firedoc5]

He was killed on Sept. 20 in Natchitoches LA. Their plane clipped the pecan trees at the end of the runway. He had just played at NSU and wanted to get home.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Sacrificed

[@aviatom1]

RIP my friend. Thanks for all the great music

[@nachtwaya8721]

I remember that day....

[@woodymeadows9363]

I was 10, and wouldn't have understood, but, damn. Another helicopter crash death. I say another, but you know I mean. Randy Rhoades; and wasn't Stevie Ray Vaun in a helicopter crash? Maybe Rick Nelson? (Too lazy to check on this at the moment)

[@TonyM1961]

Early 70s. The razor in his shoe is a referring to a straight razor. Long, sharp blade that men used to use for shaving. The blade folds back into the handle when not in use, so it's not as dangerous to slide into your sock as it first sounds. His is a fairly deep rabbit hole for a man who died so young (30). You don't mess around with Jim, Operator, Time In A Bottle, I've Got A Name...and many more. Those will get you started though and once you get started with his work, you will never be disappointed.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

A cop I know said he was breaking up a fight and got a small cut from a straight razor. Sliced right through his kevlar.

[@TonyM1961]

@@dr.burtgummerfan439 Straight razor ain't no joke. It's serious business and I know several cops who have told me they would rather see just about anything short of an automatic weapon than a straight razor. They're easily concealed yet quick on the draw and, like you said, will cut through about anything. Dangerous shit. Thing about something that sharp though is that it's such a quick, clean cut that you don't know how badly hurt you are at first. Cut you bone deep and it feels like maybe a shallow cut at first. Not like a knife that it's impossible to get that kind of edge on. Knife slashes tend to both cut AND tear as they go through because the edge still has small imperfections, so you FEEL that tear and know exactly how deep it is

[@americanmutt9089]

When I first heard this as a kid my reaction was kind of like theirs about the razor. Remember the old metal shavers that you twisted the handle to open it to change the double edge blade? I thought that was the kind he was talking about, and questioned how a person would be able to fit it in his shoe while on his foot. Until, I was older than 5 when I figured it out. LOL A straight edge razor, if used right and sharp enough, still gives the best close shave. That's why a lot of Barbers still use them if offering shaves for the face or head with a haircut.

[@TonyM1961]

@@americanmutt9089 yes, I have had barber shaves many times. Of course the new ones have a disposable blade that's able to be replaced after every shave, where the old ones were a specially shaped single piece of very high quality steel that they sharpened on a thick leather razor strap. No whet stone (and the resulting micro-pits that keep a blade from being truly a clean edge due to their grit). I would hate to face a fresh sharpened straight razor... and I am trained in close quarters combat

[@heymancheckthisout]

Lol, I had to comment on that also.

[@surlechapeau]

Brad & Lex, you’ll love Jim’s “I Got a Name” and “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim”!!! Great singer/songwriter!! I'm surprised you didn't post "Time In A Bottle" from the live stream.

[@s.rry-guld2961]

all of these ROCK

[@readhistory2023]

@B Gallagher So is "Time in a Bottle". Croce postumus got to Number #1 with this song & the album, "You Don't Mess Around with Jim" Peaked No. 1 for five weeks after his death. Gas was 28 cents a gallon and muscle cars and boats were the rage.

[@klaptongroovemaster]

"Operator." Might even make Brad tear up. Lex will bawl.

[@kylesummers1565]

Peace, Love!!

[@Bekka_Noyb]

I 2nd You Don't Mess Around With Jim!

[@randymarsh4182]

jim croce is a legend. 'i got a name' is one of the most beautiful songs of all time.

[@TracyfromNC]

It is practically a sing-along cause all of us who grew up in the 70s know it by heart! Fun!

[@Ednerd]

yeah, they played it all the time and we all loved it!!

[@oreally8605]

Yep!

[@lindanicholson950]

Even those of us who were already grown up

[@31Mike]

Definitely, I was 4 when it came out and I knew it by heart... though we'd get in trouble if we sang "damned town", so it became "Down town" or "Dang Town" to be on the safe side lol.

[@geneaikenii1092]

Every dog has his day. Leroy had his too.

[@edsherrod5216]

Welcome to one of the premier story tellers of the 70's. James Taylor is the other. Jim passed away in a tragic accident and James is still with us. Any song written by either person is well worth your listen.

[@tomdanison234]

Jim Croce used to drive trucks for a living and this is where he would come up with alot of his tunes. He had alot of time to think about life.

[@charliepepper333]

“Time in a Bottle” is one of the finest acoustic songs layed down on wax. A timeless classic that should not be missed!

[@desrever1138]

And one of the saddest songs ever considering how much little time Jim had left after recording it.

[@Hobodeluxe007]

beautiful song. maybe one of the best love songs ever written.

[@keensoundguy6637]

It was layed down on tensilized polyester.

[@charliepepper333]

@@keensoundguy6637 yeah ..what he said⬆️

[@johnyohe5057]

Second this

[@theartistformerlyknownashe1279]

I'm a old man now, but I remember being 7 years old in 1975 and singing this song with my friends all summer long. Still brings back those laid-back summer memories of baseball, swimming pools and trying to scrape together 25 cents for a coke out of the only vending machine in town. Thanks for the time machine of a video. Be well.

[@chrisaustin612]

I am a couple years younger than you...but I loved feeding quarters for this song so I could say "damn" lol

[@mikecaetano]

Heh, me too! "Meaner than a junk yard dog!"

[@theartistformerlyknownashe1279]

@@chrisaustin612 Yes! In my 7 year old mind it seemed like I was really fighting "The Man" singing the word "damn".

[@chrisaustin612]

@@theartistformerlyknownashe1279 Hell...back then we were! lol

[@thetattooedvaper4081]

In 75 i was 11 and you described my experience with this song to a tee. Growing up in Southern California.

[@ronaldgines171]

Leroy Brown was Croce's Drill Sargent in Boot Camp. Croce said he was the meanest man he had ever met.

[@kprgomet9221]

Jim Croce's music is awesome as he is a storyteller. Listen to "Operator", great song. Love you guys, always so fun and entertaining. Thanks for helping me remember Mr. Croce.

[@Joshuadgog]

operator is his best song i love it s tier

[@kennethdennis7624]

I also highly suggest Operator

[@danjohnson2986]

Operator is one of the most vulnerable and relatable songs ever. It’s shockingly sad. Tells a beautiful story and is simply beautiful. I wonder if the younger (cell phone) generation would even get this song. But those of us old enough to remember using a phone booth to call someone you were in love with. Ugh. You can keep the dime 😭

[@Hayseo]

Agreed. But this generation doesn’t know what an Operator is.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Jim Croce was a major phenom in the early 70's, right up to his tragic plane crash, after which he got even bigger. He made a few TV appearances, mostly singing this song, and made a great impression on everyone. A real Rock and Roll tragedy, along with Buddy Holly, Lynyrd Skynyrd and a lot of others.

[@SentientPickle]

Were I a famous musician, I'm not sure I'd step onto a plane at this point

[@bobschenkel7921]

@@SentientPickle Got no choice if you want to make that next show, four states away. That's what got them all.

[@Teresia12]

70s. Check out his Photographs and Memories, Time In A Bottle, Operator, I'll Have to Say I Love You In A Song, then another fun song. You Don't Mess Around With Jim. I'm sure you will like these. He died in a plane crash in 1973 at the height of his short career. Everyone had fallen in love with him. He was an amazing talent that died too young. Artist needed to stay off those dang planes. Even though he died when he did he already had an extensive discography. I think you should go down this rabbit hole. ✌❤🤘

[@keithdittmar1701]

I played that album as an early teen until I knew the words to every song.

[@davidlucio7151]

Brad seems to like those funny storytelling songs, I'm sure he would also like Jerry Reed's - She Got the Gold Mine (I Got the Shaft) 😀

[@charliepepper333]

Yes please..we need some Jerry Reed up in here

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

Yes react to Amos Moses.

[@DamnedEyez]

Yes, we need some Jerry Reed. He has plenty of catchy stuff...serious and humourous.

[@2dashville]

Another Puff is a Jerry Reed song about quitting smoking. Funny. Or, When you’re hot, you’re hot is good too!

[@charliepepper333]

@@2dashville “You took all the ramblin out of me” and “Bandit” are a great place to start!

[@korndogz69]

My favorite Jim Croce songs are this one, "Time in a Bottle", "Operator", "Don't Mess Around With Jim", "I Got A Name", "I'll Have to Say 'I Love You' in a Song", "New York's Not My Home", "Photographs and Memories", and "One Less Set of Footsteps". He was one of the greatest songwriters ever, and he only got to put out one album before he died in a plane crash.

[@aviatom1]

Don't forget "Rapid Roy" or "Workin at the Car Wash Blues", both fun songs

[@scot_irsh]

Not true he made 5 albums from 1966 to 1973. He was also ripped off by the music industry and died a poor man. 1. Facets 1966 2. Jim and Ingrid Croce 1969 3. Don't mess around with Jim 1972 4. Life and Times 1973 5. I got a name 1973

[@rayj1011]

You don't Mess Around with Jim is another one by Croce in this same vein.

[@kurtsaxton823]

The late great Jim Croce, anything you pick from him is amazing, a true singer songwriter in the purest sense. My suggestions are operator and Time in a bottle.

[@2zxodcfm]

Good choices, right there. My top 2 from Jim Croce, as well.

[@OkFixer]

''Don't mess around with Jim''. Now, that is lyric mastery. Check that out.

[@classiclife7204]

Many early 70s hits sounded like children's songs. No surprise Lex though of playing it for kids. You had this one, and Saturday in the Park by Chicago, and those Paul Simon songs: Kodachrome, Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard, and whatever that song was called that went, "Step out the back, Jack, Make a new plan, Stan". I think everyone was coming down off acid and were tired of all the screeching on campus, so the "mellow 70s" really got going

[@quixote6942]

"The Razor's" back in the 70's were Straight Razors that folded like large pocket knives. Todays razor's were referred to as "Safety Razors".

[@sjw5797]

His "Time in a Bottle" is his masterpiece. Lovely and haunting.

[@richard_n]

Jim Croce is a very unique artist. There really isn't anyone else you can compare him too. You definitely need to deep dive into him, he was a force in the late 60s and early 70s.

[@steviekc9057]

This is 70's Singer-Songwriter at it's best. Please check out Croce's "You Don't Mess Around with Jim" for another fun sing along.

[@lynnc5252]

I was like 9 when I used to sing along with this song. My favorite line then and now, was the razor in his shoe. 😊

[@NYVoice]

I learned how to sing and fingerpick acoustic guitar directly from Jim and his sidekick Maury. A great legacy of music.

[@VeteranCapybara]

Gotta love Lex's smile when she is into a song!

[@goittoog7563]

"Operator "is without doubt his epic classic--R.I.P.

[@scottcabler5843]

Queen has a song on their Sheer Heart Attack "Bring Back That Leroy Brown" which alludes to the then-recent hit "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" by American singer-songwriter Jim Croce, who had died (1973) in a plane crash the previous year.

[@davidbarrow3176]

Yes i enjoyed this song, never heard it before but do prefer the Queen song.

[@OtherMike5000]

*The Original Storyteller*

[@rickwelch8464]

When I heard this as a kid I always thought of the line 'razor in his shoe'. At age 6 in my head it was a safety razor Dad shaved with. "Why doesn't he just take it out, that seems uncomfortable." I might be the World's biggest Jim Croce fan. One tattoo says "Baby" and the other one just says "Hey". If you know you know.

[@jonahpedersen5429]

You guys are gonna love Jim Croce

[@dsb9574]

Jim a awesome story song teller

[@bartstarr100]

Jim Croce had a CCR like career. Many Number One's too. Operator. Time In a Bottle. I got a Name. You Don't Mess around with Jim. All of them classics.

[@dananichols349]

Lex swaying and dancing, Brad smiling and enjoying the song. Cannot your day get any better?

[@yeahboiii6640]

I listened to this all the time as a kid in the 70s.

[@traviswilcox3472]

Jim Croce made some great songs, they are timeless cool.

[@CoachGoodwin23]

Leroy Brown served in the military with Jim Croce - Army I believe. Leroy went AWOL and Jim wrote this song about Leroy Brown. Jim states that Leroy was actually a sweet man, big man well over 6'4", but Leroy got tired of the military and he simply left one day to return to Chicago. He then ended up in Military prison for going AWOL. Before Jim was killed in an airplane or helicopter crash (I cannot remember) he stated that Leroy, once he served his time, went back to Chicago.

[@kestrelle5345]

razor in his shoe probably refers to a straight razor used by barbers back in the day. Folds up like a pocket knife so the business end of the blade is shielded.

[@leroymayo8580]

My mother like this song, but loved the name so much she named me after this song.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Hi guys. This was from the 70s. jim was one of the most talented and prolific songwriters. The 70s of course was a decade famed for the great singer/songwriters. people like Jim, James Taylor, John Denver, Carole King. Jim Croce sadly died in a plane crash after only being really big for a few years. He sold many more records after his death actually. He did a lot of funny, story songs, but he also wrote some of the most beautiful ballads and love songs. You should dive a bit deeper with Jim. Check out "Operator", "Lover's Cross", "I got a Name", and so many more. A couple of my favorite of his funnier songs are Roller Derby Queen and Rapid Roy. This song was about a guy he met when he was in the army. The guy had been a big deal back home and a tough guy who kind of bent the law here and there. He enlisted to avoid jail (I think) I mean the guy not Jim lol. Anyway after a few weeks the guy decided he didn't really care for the army, so he just left and went home. That was not his biggest mistake however. That came when at the end of what would have been his first month in, he went back to get his pay check! He of course got held for being AWOL. Love your reactions. Stay safe and well.

[@curiousman1672]

Great song. When I was in elementary school, my teacher played this for the class. Our task was to write down every adjective in the song. Some fine learnin went on that day.

[@jjstanding7314]

One of my earliest memories is my mom dancing around the living room with me to this song in 1975 I was 5 years old

[@janetmcq7564]

Will always vote Jim Croce in the livestream no matter who he's up against 💕 looking forward to more now that you know how good he is!!

[@twwtjohns]

Jim Croce is among the very best of the story tellers of his era. Virtually every song is a life lived experience or someone Jim knew or met. And his musical range goes from soulful ballads to toe tapping jams.

[@joedonlewis9820]

Jim was a singer/songwriter, that's an important genre. Before that writers would write, composer's would compose, and singers would sing. You should do a singer/songwriter stream.

[@alexanderkantakusiniii8411]

I get all misty-eyed when I hear this song...remember singing with mom when I was a kid getting driven to karate...good times...

[@warriorpoet8086]

According to Jim Croce, Leroy was a guy he was in the Army with. He liked the name and used it in the song.

[@NYVoice]

Fort Jackson, SC.

[@tonydelapa1911]

“Leroy” is a fictional character based on someone Croce served with. He went AWOL on a Sunday night but was foolish enough to return Friday looking for his check. Jim Croce crafted a great song, with “Leroy” as the main character, based on this unnamed character.

[@OR56]

“A razor in his shoe” He would have had a folding straight razor tucked into the side of his shoe for ease of access in a street fight

[@TripletDad3]

Croce had the ability to make you feel what he felt when he recorded each song. Some, like Operator, Photographs and Memories, and Lovers Cross make you feel like you are deep in despair over a break-up. Songs like New York's Not My Home, and I Got a Name make you feel nostalgic, and songs like Leroy Brown, Rapid Roy, Workin' at the Carwash Blues, and You Don’t Mess Around With Jim, are just plain fun songs. Croce was just hitting his stride when his life was cut short in a plane crash.

[@rickpotts8502]

that song came out early 70's. great song

[@geneaikenii1092]

I was born in 1966 and we sang this song in grade school throughout the 1970's with the accompaniment of a guitar from our music teacher. Thank y'all for the reaction. The look on Lex's face was priceless. Your boy in Gatlinburg, Tennessee still watchin and lovin it. Go with God. Peace.

[@davidcohen7146]

Thanks for reacting to the great Jim Croce @Brad &Lex. One of the greatest artists ever. An absolute genius. The man was a great writer and singer. It's sad that we lost him way to soon due to a plane crash. He was only 30 years old when he died. Please react to his songs Operator and I'll have to say I love you in a song. You will like these two.

[@vickihoward406]

Love him.... Roller Derby Queen.. Working at the car wash blues.... Jim is one of the BEST story tellers... You'll love it all.....

[@d-2793]

So much fun! It was my favorite song as a kid (funny what Lex says that kids would like it. Jim Croche -Time in a bottle, Operator, are 2 classic songs by the man! Great story teller! thanks for this red reaction. Made my day better ♥️

[@TommyBBQBessinger]

I LOVE this song!!!!!!!

[@goldy7678]

Early 70's...one of the songs I first learned in guitar lessons when I was about 8 years old. The good ol'days!

[@geneaikenii1092]

In the 1970's we used to sing this in Music Class with the teacher strummin on his guitar. Also sang some Three Dog Night songs: "Joy To The World" and "The Ink Is Black", among others. Very cool pick. The look on Lex's face and her couch dancing....PRICELESS. Shoutout from your guy in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Love you two guys. Peace and love, y'all. Later.

[@luiscasso1547]

Check out Jim Croce's song "Operator." It's a classic. Story telling at its best.

[@deitydam]

Yes, " I got a name" and "Time in a bottle" are 2 very good songs also.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

♥ this song!

[@OddBall1958]

Another great musician and story teller taken from us to early. Have you listened to Cat Stevens? He's another great story teller from this era.

[@debbiegoss4475]

Check out Emerson Lake and Palmer's Benny the bouncer, could have been Leroy Browns British cousin. Also came out in 1973.

[@paulstewart6203]

You two, Entertaining and always. REO SPEEDWAGON...Roll With the Changes, a 70s Classic.

[@galenstone9097]

Love Jim Croce. Family used to play and sing his songs when i was a kid.

[@floorticket]

This came out just before I turned seven. One of those early songs I remember on the radio, running errands with mom after school.

[@lda1970]

When I was around 5-7 in 1975-77, my dad would give me a dime every time we went to Pizza Hut so I could play this song in the juke box. Good memories.

[@ernestrimbeck7630]

I think this was a sing-a-long when I was a kid, along with Jeremiah was a bullfrog by Three Dog Night

[@leonardshevlin7260]

aka "Joy to the World"

[@grindhouseglitch]

My father was a big Jim Croce fan and I grew up with (and love) this song - so, despite the subject matter, it's OK for kids, haha.

[@TheZombiestank]

Speedball tucker is an awesome song and its has one of my favorite lyrics "95 was the route you were on it was not the speed limit sign"

[@salbuda6957]

Yeah, moral of the story, there is always someone badder than you! Jim is an example of a great story teller with mainly humorous tall tales such as this, but also a poet when expressing his emotions. A treasure we lost way to early in another tragic accident. RIP Jim! 😢

[@AFKeveryday]

you guys are so great.. always the best reactions

[@JeffMartinEquinox]

So i was a kid in 73-74... i remember this song playing on the radio and enjoying it. Its very sing-along for a 5-6 year old... "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown". I didn't understand everything I'm sure - but I think Lex is right that its a fun song for kids.

[@deandee8082]

slight swing blues number, gotta love Jim, he bad too.. check out Frank Sinatra's version in full swing.. it's a hoot

[@King14000]

70's song. My grandpa, who was born in 1903 and died in 1974, surprisingly loved this song even though he generally didn't care for much of the music of the time.

[@chrisspratlin5656]

I watched an interview with Jim back in the 1970's which you can find here on KZbin. Jim said this story is about a guy he was in the Army with. Jim was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war. He wrote most of his music when he was in the Army.

[@willkels9196]

Its a great song to play for kids, in the 80's/90's my dad always played Jim Croce, especially when I was "helping him" fix a car. Now I can not fix a car, but because of hearing this song as a 8-10 year old I learned that no matter how bad ass you thought you were there is always someone badder. This also is the case of, Don't mess aroung with Jim, tought me to be strong but tred lightly.

[@Fastwinstondoom]

Mack the Knife is a song in the same vein, although way less upbeat. Louis Armstrong did a wonderful version of it.

[@j.r.4769]

I've been patiently waiting for all of my favorite reactors to find Jim Croce. Thank you and enjoy. RIP #thestoryteller

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

I remember my Parents singing along with this song on the way to lake LBJ in the Texas Hill Country to stay at our neighbors lakeside place. I was 9 years old so in 1974.

[@privateidaho1029]

Jim Croce was a huge talent of the early 1970s. The tone and timbre of his voice was really something. I love 'Time in a Bottle.'

[@trentcrick]

This is one of the songs we did the “Health Hustle” to in grade school in the 70’s. This brings back lots of memories!!

[@chrisa4695]

Leroy Brown was a composite character based on the many people he saw where traveling the country as a folk singer in the 60’s playing in dive bars.

[@TheFuriousfunk]

I remember this when it was the top song in the charts, I was like 3 or 4 and would dance around in the Living Room with my older sisters and brother. Jim Croce did a lot of wonderful catchy songs like this one, Don't Mess Around With Jim, I got a name, Operator and I Have to Say I Love You in a Song. Don't Mess Around with Jim is very similar to this song.

[@nonplayerzealot4]

Croce's "I Got A Name" is a beautiful song. Hope Brad writes that on the board.

[@marenehanson5526]

You don’t mess around with Jim. Great sing along song like this one. Do it soon !!

[@timmholl9238]

I LOVE your authentic reactions. I really do. You guys make watching these reactions fun. I remember hearing this on the radio when I was little.

[@musicandmoviefan9217]

OMG you two are awesome. Thank you Thank you for being you!!!!

[@peteharpas6894]

This song was my favorite song on the Juke box when i was a kid in the late 70s early 80s. My dad would take me to the moose club and all the old guys and ladies would give me dimes to play this song over and over. lol

[@joedurushia4008]

I love your choices of songs and you guys are so much fun. Thanks for doing this !

[@sandyschannel6917]

It's a straight razor like barbers use. One of Jim Croce's best songs

[@janabraam7963]

Jim Croce was a great singer, song writer & story teller. Gone too soon at age 30, in 1973, in a plane crash, when his plane crashed into a tree during take off. His 2 year old son, grew up to be singer-songwriter in the 90's.

[@NoCanDu]

I remember being little and if this came on the radio, our whole family would sing along. Trying to remember if my parents taught us to sing “darned” or if there was a radio edit back then?! 🤣

[@Middlemoss61356]

45 years ago I first went to Illinois to visit the family... We had lunch near the white Sox stadium. Lunch was finished by 3:00 and everyone of my family members from Chicago was in a hurry to get away from where we were for you do not want to be on the South side after dark. The burbs on the west side is nothing like the city.

[@pookiemartinez1745]

Queen did Bring Back Leroy Brown after hearing this track. both cool tunes.

[@keithschofield1158]

I remember riding in my mothers car and hearing this song in the mid seventies

[@Lagib28]

The song is from the early 70s. Jim died in a plane crash in 1973.

[@kimzwolinski9919]

Love this song sooo much. Great reaction as always love you guy’s 😁

[@fredbarakat2634]

You guys should listen to “time in a bottle from Jim Croce. It’s still a beautiful song.

[@hulkingwarmachine3]

Croce is my guy. My oldest son would only fall asleep to (I’ll have to say I love you in a song) shame Jim passed so young