EP 20 - The Midnight Special | June 15, 1973

Hosted by Jim Croce, with special guest appearances by Little Anthony & The Imperials, Savoy Brown, Barbara Fairchild, Shawn Phillips, Wishbone Ash, Bobby Womack, and Wolfman Jack.
#TheMidnightSpecial #music #1970smusic
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:15 Jim Croce - Operator
00:06:39 Little Anthony and the Imperials - Dance to the Music
00:12:31 Savoy Brown - Tell Mama
00:17:20 Bobby Womack - It's All Over Now
00:20:49 Shawn Phillips - Anello (Where Are You)
00:24:05 Barbara Fairchild - Teddy Bear
00:30:02 Jim Croce - Roller Derby Queen
00:33:53 Wishbone Ash - Jailbait
00:38:48 Bobby Womack - Nobody Wants You When You're Down and Out
00:41:37 Savoy Brown - Coming Down Your Way
00:45:45 Shawn Phillips - America
00:50:53 Jim Croce - You Don't Mess with Jim
00:55:26 Jim Croce - Speedball Tucker
00:57:51 Jim Croce - Big Bad Leroy Brown
01:00:50 Little Anthony and the Imperials - La La La at the End
01:06:26 Jim Croce - Careful Man
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[@bobthortwack7960]

Everybody wishes in their heart that we could all go back to that time and not take it for granted when it was right in front of us seeming like normal times when now we know that was a very special time in the USA.

[@robd5886]

So bitter-sweet to see Jim Croce host the show. He seemed like such a nice, down-to-earth guy. What a terrible loss for us all.😔😔😔

[@davidf3883]

couldn't have said it better rob

[@michaelweigel8253]

Why hasn't anyone done a biopic on Jim Croce?

[@charleskollin1221]

And one of the most gifted singer/songwriters of all time.

[@charleskollin1221]

@@michaelweigel8253 Very good question.

[@RZK1966]

@@charleskollin1221 exactly

[@tommihail2178]

So sad to watch 😢 jim&Maury were and will always be in the pantheon of America's greatest songwriters..❤

[@shytown2406]

Back when music was real music. RIP.

[@thesamwilder]

Been waiting for Jim’s episode to come out! 50 years ago this month we lost Jim and Maury

[@anthonykimball7463]

And don't forget, we lost Gram Parsons the day before Jim and Maury died. ☹️ What happened to all of these people was a terrible tragedy and deprived the world of some major musical talents.

[@ItsOnlyRockAndRollPODCAST]

@@anthonykimball7463 ​ Now THAT I didnt know. Thanks for pointing that out (I discovered Gram late in life but love him as much as I do Jim Croce). I'm 52 and my first rock & roll tragedy was losing John Lennon when I was 9. I'd been a Beatles fanatic already at that point for over a year, so it really affected me and still does to this day.

[@bobwhammer4237]

I'm 66 and I was too young to feel the loss of Buddy Holly in 1959. In the summer of 1973 I was 16 and Jim Croce was my 1st musical hero. I can't describe the devastation I felt when he got killed. It left me with bitterness and questions of why? 50 years later I still listen to Jim and Maury's timeless music.

[@deja75m]

And a thousand other stoopid victims of our cia..govt perverts

[@OWR0406]

⁠Parsons didn’t care for his health for a long time. It’s a wonder he lived as long as 1973. He abused his body very much.

[@Steven-pv1xr]

Just think what we would have had if jim croche had just lived longrr. God bless him for his extrodinary gifts to music

[@gethappycyclingcampingoutdoors]

Real music, thanks for posting ✌️♥️to the World.

[@Jay-nq2jl]

The best decade for modern music bar none

[@MrAnimal1971]

The imperials were on point! Jim and Maury were so great! Bobby Womack, just fantastic!

[@lanzo1976]

I love his stories. Such a gift. RIP Jim.

[@peterzang]

Operator. I don’t think you can write a better song. It’s perfect

[@davidchavers5881]

I agree 100 per cent about Operator. That one really tugs at the old heartstrings!

[@miketocci]

It's simple and profound all at the same time.

[@Music--ng8cd]

I think Jim actually had two perfect songs: Operator and Time in a Bottle. Gordon Lightfoot's If You Could Read My Mind would be another choice.

[@warriorv9359]

Time in a bottle

[@babygerald4645]

If you haven't yet, check out Rick Beato's channel here for a very thorough appreciation of this song and all its nuances. Nobody breaks down a song for fans, musicians, and laymen alike as well as he does. Professor of Rock is also superb at being basically the historian of pop music from the 50s through the '00s. If he hasn't covered Croce yet, he has definitely mentioned him in previous episodes.

[@rubyfisch5077]

There are a lot of days when I can't remember what I got up and went into another room for, but I can still sing along with all of these bands and singers, and remember every word. Loved dancing to Little Anthony, had a huge crush on Jim Croce, and even remember seeing Sean Phillips play at a small MN Jr. college before he got big. I was a young mother in 73 so I didn't get to stay up too often to see Midnight Special, but loved it when I got the chance. It was a magical, musical time to live.

[@Jeannie-fk5bv]

Those of us who grew up in the 70s know how blessed we are to have these recordings.

[@myguitardetective5961]

This is HUGE! I'm so happy this is being uploaded in its entirety in perfect quality. These incredible Midnight Special uploads are simply beyond belief! THANK YOU !

[@johnparsons1466]

Jim Croce! Are you kidding me? 🤗

[@myguitardetective5961]

@@johnparsons1466 Ah, so you're not a musician or songwriter I see....

[@KoolT]

😂❤❤❤❤

[@johnparsons1466]

​@@myguitardetective5961No relation to Gram or Alan as far as I know. I played clarinet but didn't stick with it because I wasn't passionate about it, but I've always enjoyed music of all categories as a fan. This era of rock is still my favorite. You are so right about the video quality on these.

[@sciencemansandera]

I’ve played guitar since I was about 10, my brother, even built his own left hand guitar but I didn’t even have a guitar. The neighbor loaned me his Sears Silvertone, which was a Dan Electra I guess in the same way many of the people of my generation started I love the midnight special I saw Black Sabbath on there, Jim Croce man what a loss for a soul. He was such a heartfelt voice, like when we played acoustic that we were all Jim Croce‘s. Then the big inspirer Ritchie Blackmore, an Deep Purple and Eric Clapton during cream first I had the big amplifier with a cassette player so maybe we were the first karaoke practicing lol because it 10 years old, we already started the neighborhood saying in my backyard sheds it was sort of set up like a camping fort. That’s where we used to sing and play guitar. Find me a boat 1975 I bought my first used high-quality guitar turned out to be a 1972 fender telecaster for $150 used with the case in Detroit. I had some disasters with fires and I need to work with thunder but I’m pretty sure I still have the old everything for the put the guitar pick together but I need a new body. I know the pick ups are in the other room my house burnt and I’m living in a camper. It kind of sucks it’s like a 1950s keep camper. But when I saw this video tonight I thought what a treasure. I am so glad that they posted this. I know many younger bands now that do covers I know a couple of them that could probably, do a fine job on this. Maybe we will see thank you so much for posting this. God bless Jim Croce may he be up on the big stage and loved by the big man above. I wonder if many of our personal friend Tim Pearce guitar has any stories to tell about Jim. I always love a good Tim story he is a wonderful teacher to us all and knows all about the production of music in things seem Rick Beato. I have found the best place to meet musicians from all over the world is KZbin and Instagram I believe we are all one family right now in the world is in turmoil there’s just too much bad out there, but you know what I believe. All of us are the light that can bring the good. There’s some girls I’d like all of you to know if you don’t know them yet I want you to look up the warning I believe there may be a Grammy for each one of them coming if they’re going to be recognized as number one all over the world and I think they were needed because they sort of brought back the energy of the stage of the big hairy days that it’s not just about the music it’s the performance I love Little Danny and her guitar. I see myself little Paulinho on the piano, especially when she played the grand piano, I see the future. I’m from Detroit and I feel like we lost so many great some days I think about Aretha Franklin on that piano in some of the mini grades that we lost. I couldn’t believe we lost Christine McVie God she was such a beautiful soul many of the singers and players from yesteryear are they had a way to reach right into your heart and send ice cold shivers down your spine. Where are you? Just went. Wow. I think God for Jim Croce. I think many of us played the operator song or pieces of it. I’m so glad we have these types of history. Thank you so much I guess you touched my heart tonight and brought me some personal. memories for all of you. I would like to see the year copyright laws changed so people can maintain more control the way Taylor Swift age so many of you were hurt when you were such great musicians, because the corporations came in and do what corporations do yesterday I saw Roy Clark on guitar and they were referring how great he was, I just am so thankful that I was a 1977 graduate and I got to grow up during this period of time because I feel it was the greatest history and time in music ever. God bless all of you you are my brothers and sisters of America baby you are my people in the world is my community and it’s yours to figure out their plan. I just pray you keep on keeping on and entertaining us all. I couldn’t believe I actually sort of chatted with Ian Pay sound here one night the whole Deep Purple put in band was my idol.❤👍👍👍 The Midnight special to me, was sort of like I can remember sleeping on the floor by the TV watching it it was sort of like the first version of Saturday Night Live but not about humor about music. It was great. At least I thought it was me and my brothers couldn’t wait to watch it.

[@JeffSchreiber99]

I grew up in the 1960’s-70’s. One of the few things I’m certain about is that the music of that time was the most entertaining and engaging I’ve heard in all my days. And it brought everyone together in a way people nowadays can’t even imagine. And Jim Croce was an absolute treasure who like so many others was with us briefly but left his mark forever.

[@scottlarson1548]

I don't remember this music bringing old people like my parents together. They all told us to turn this damn racket off.

[@HoustonRebel]

I grew up in the 70s and 80s but I always preferred the 60s and 70s even as a teen in the 80s. I find myself wanting to say the same thing about today's music, "Turn that racket down". Lol. Not because it's too loud and not because I'm old, the louder the better (My motto is still "If it's too loud, you're too old"). But because today's music stinks. They have more technology yet it doesn't sound genuine or from the heart. Real musicians that actually play their own instruments are almost extinct today.

[@scottlarson1548]

@@HoustonRebel Dude, stop listening to the top 40!!! There is more music available to listen to and purchase now than ever before so generalizing "today's music" is ridiculous. The only difference is that now you have to *look for* music you like. You can't just sit around listening to the radio and expect to hear songs you like anymore.. And your statement that musicians don't play instruments anymore is pure ignorance. There are more musicians playing instruments in the U.S. right now than ever.

[@HoustonRebel]

@@scottlarson1548 That's why I don't listen to the radio or top 40 anymore. How am I supposed to go about looking for them? I don't know where to start. I mean, what am I supposed to google? I'll admit it, you're right, I'm ignorant in that regard. That's why I'm asking. At least I'm acknowledging it by asking instead of acting like I know everything.

[@scottlarson1548]

@@HoustonRebel The main sites are Spotify and Pandora. Pandora has a "similarities engine" so you can select a song you like and it will try to play songs that it thinks you'll like based on that song. Spotify has playlists made by people so if you find someone with similar musical interests then they can lead you to a lot of good music. Then you can just spend as much time as you want on KZbin since almost every song is on it somewhere. I have stumbled on dozens of great songs by just clicking around or by going through playlists. Finding music you like is much more fun than complaining that there's no music you like anymore!

[@EdKazO-Vision]

Croce was a man with absolutely no pretense. On stage in rumpled denim street wear, just a regular guy you’d meet in a bar and have long interesting conversations with. So sad he left us so early.

[@johnr8820]

Salt of the earth…just a regular American guy, he used to be a trucker too. He reminds me a lot of a Merle Haggard in spirit and in talent. Pure Americana through and through.

[@weskitten]

Oh well, he had 3 months to live here. I recall '73. I was age 7.

[@TerryM-eu5ou]

I remember I was on the radio at a top 40 Radio Station in Connecticut when Jim died in that plane crash..😢 loved playing his music on the air..big hits he had during that period..Time in a Bottle, I’ve Got a Name, Photographs-and Memories , Bad Bad Leroy Brown, Operator, Say I Love You In Song..I can’t imagine how many more he would have had…that was in 1973…my wife and I were married less than a year back then..we’re still going strong 51 years later..we loved his music..

[@ernestcruz6316]

​@@TerryM-eu5ouWhat station was that? I moved to Connecticut from the Boston area shortly before Jim died, so I'd be likely to at least remember your station.

[@TerryM-eu5ou]

@@ernestcruz6316 Hello Ernest..That day I was on the air at WWCO in Waterbury Connecticut…I also worked at WDRC, WTIC FM and spent 7 years on the air at WWYZ, Country 92.5 all in Hartford. I also did middays at WICC in Bridgeport…were you on the air in Connecticut..?

[@deirdre108]

What Jim Croce said in his first set about how much music had changed in 10 years, which would have been 1963--1973. This is so true and something that has always amazed me. If you think about 2013-2023, what have been the revolutions in music during those 10 years? Besides popular music getting worse.

[@joeyoungs8426]

If you have to ask what’s happened between 2013-2023 you haven’t been listening. I’m not sure about popular music since I’m guilty of not listening.

[@ardiris2715]

Dude, Starcrawler and Olivia Rodrigo rock as hard as anyone in the 70s. They are pushing rock into new territory. (:

[@encyclocollab1653]

@@ardiris2715 Almost noone know these artist. This is the big difference before and now. Before it was mainstream, now its underground (often)

[@ardiris2715]

Yeah, you got to turn off the radio and put a little effort into it.

[@joeyoungs8426]

@@ardiris2715 Exactly, I made that exact same comment on another thread where someone eluded to the fact that music was dead. It’s not going to fall in your lap.

[@debracalamia3837]

Always look like they're having so much fun. Got that toe tapping going on. 😂❤

[@MusicFromAnotherTime]

I've never heard of Shawn Phillips before, but my god what an interesting guy. Holy hell I gotta look into this guy.

[@jzkramer]

Fantastic musician

[@solocam1962]

Jim sounds as good on this show as he does on his recording. Sure miss him! An old Rocker here, but Jim and a few others transcended ... to infinity and beyond. They got to the soul!

[@teastrainer3604]

He was 30 years old here. Three months later he was dead.

[@chriskroll4166]

Savoy Brown Yaaaayyy 🥳

[@marthawelch4289]

Highlights for me: "Dance to the Music". Little Anthony and the Imperials came to show their talents and entertain their audience. Everybody had a solo. Their dancing was great. And the gentleman second from the left WOW! "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" Jim Croce's masterpiece was my Dad's (born in 1916) favorite song.

[@bettyriley7295]

I wonder if the people in that audience realized how lucky they were. Jim Croce was an American treasure, the likes of which will probably never happen again. A true legend.

[@miketocci]

Jim Croce died a few years before I waa born, but he's one of my favorite singer songwriters (up there with Billy Joel and Harry Chapin). Jim went to Villanova University and Upper Darby High School, right by where I grew up. My dad was in the National Guard with Jim, apparently Jim liked to sneak off and sleep by the dumpsters. A legendary talent, gone too soon.

[@TheMisterGriswold]

Little Anthony and the Imperials, damn! 🎶

[@1e0s]

Wow Bobby Womack was something else. I was born far too late🎶🎶🎶🔥❤‍🔥

[@marcelosalgado9729]

Croce rocks it ! Great lyrics, great music, great voice and awesome fingerstyle guitar. What else can one ask for?

[@ryancasablancas8361]

Wishbone Ash! Holy Cow! Thanks Burt!

[@lauriebarnes2999]

Can't wait for Friday night, The Midnight Special. I've been waiting patiently for Jim to host this show!

[@janicetrimmell6897]

LJ - On my way to be with Mom and Dad tomorrow. Hoping wifi is semi reliable. See you later.

[@lauriebarnes2999]

Safe travels, J3. I know we have next week's show to look forward to but that crazy boss of mine has me working 8 to 5 next Friday so I'll be cutting it really close by the time I leave the store (quite tired mind you) and probably will have to still water the plants because I don't think it's going to rain a lot next week and it's still so hot down here. We did get a "cold front" yesterday that gave us some rain finally and lower humidity but that's only gonna stick around through the weekend. Then we're back to heat and humidity with not much rain in the forecast. Sending my love to everyone. ❤️

[@janicetrimmell6897]

@@lauriebarnes2999 Rain? I don't remember the last rain here. I'm down to trying to keep the grass alive (sort of).

[@AR-pm9nv]

Jim the legend.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@susanb2015]

I was 6 years old outside playing with my friend Sean singing Leroy Brown. The last happiest days of my life.

[@pugnugger4600]

Jim, he connected with everyone through his music. An everyday, working class musician with talent. So sad he's gone.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

The jews killed him when he got too ballsy regarding his record deal and his anti-zionist messages. Its a real shame, but we cant hold them accountable, theyre literally Gods chosen people and can do no wrong

[@janicetrimmell6897]

Looking forward to this episode. Jim and Maury together were guitar picking magic.

[@aunch3]

Seeing Jim here is breath of fresh; entertainers over did the clothes thing in the 70’s it’s nice to see someone just dressed normal as opposed the ridiculous clothes and costumes other performers were wearing

[@DavidNelsonO]

Loved Little Anthony and the Imperials!

[@martron1962]

MAN THIS WAS SUCH A GREAT TIME TO BE ALIVE!!!! The Midnight Special was one of the best things on TV in the 70’s, and Little Anthony and the Imperials KILLED IT, and bro in the middle could DAAAANCE!!!

[@jzkramer]

Sure could, sing too

[@JensMom1985]

Looking forward to this, the whole show! Great memories of the summer of 1973 when I was 13. I never missed the Midnight Special then and I was a new Jim Croce fan. It will be great to see him and Maury ( and Tommy) hosting the show again. RIP Jim and Maury, we still miss you! So sad you two were taken so young.

[@GingerbreaddGypsy]

Oh wow! What did you think of the show when you saw it then? I am so excited for tonight. I’m a huge,huge Maury fan (and Jim) but Maury is my love !

[@JensMom1985]

@@GingerbreaddGypsy I know i loved it. I didn't have a lot of money then but had the 45 of Leroy Brown. After he passed my parents helped me buy all the records that were out of him then, I am so grateful they did. Just watching his introductions again tonight make me think what a great host and personality he was. He was so charismatic and easygoing. There was a Don Kirschner's Rock Concert that was made shortly after Jim passed that was a tribute to him with different artists talking about him between a live performance of his and I will never forget Karen Carpenter saying he was "the Johnny Carson of Our Generation". and he really was! I am sure he could of done so much more.... he could of done it all!

[@kelseycurtis1546]

Tommy passed in 2021 , we lost a lot when we lost those 3 .

[@JensMom1985]

Yes so sad Tommy had Parkinsons

[@joelliebler5690]

I was 13 as well and loved just about all his songs. A couple of years later my high school chorus sang Time In a Bottle . Just loved his stuff!

[@thomaswalker4806]

Finding many comments saying: Yes finally for Savoy Brown! some actual Television footage of this classic Progressive Blues Rock Band in one of there early formations👍

[@TuckerSP2011]

Maury was such an amazing support for Jim. These two men were such brothers in arms. Both so talented. Here you can see how Maury and the pianist add to the chorus so unobtrusively to support Jim voice.

[@jefflahr5159]

Fantastic! Barbara Fairchild is outstanding singing her classic "Teddy Bear Song".

[@StephanieJeanne]

I had never heard of her, but I liked her! I'm not a huge country fan, but classic country is the best!

[@ianman15]

“Teddy Bear Song” was written by homicide detective Don Earl. He wanted to forget all the crime and wreckage he saw in his job and create a song about being warm and tender...and he succeeded.

[@JamesThomson-gj9nv]

The Teddy Bear Song always reminded me of the childrens book Corduroy about a bear in a store.

[@foreignfilmfan711]

I recently saw a concert by A.J. Croce, Jim’s son. He explained the background of Operator - that Jim got the idea for it when he served in the New Jersey National Guard. He did so mainly to avoid getting drafted to fight in Vietnam. While stationed in Fort Dix, NJ, he used to wait in long lines at the phone banks to call his new bride Ingrid. He overheard many phone conversations, which proved to be fertile song writing material. He also said that his father’s career really lasted only 18 months, and abruptly ended when AJ was 18 months old 😢. RlP, Jim & Maury, see you down the road, hopefully in acoustic guitar heaven! 🙏🏼

[@DavePlaysTrombone]

WHOOOOOAMACK! Bobby KILLED IT!!

[@Thadmotor1044]

Savoy Brown clean and smooth blues . Many great LPs . Train to Nowhere is awesome . Add going to Louisiana .

[@StephanieJeanne]

Can't wait for Jim live! 😍

[@janicetrimmell6897]

Great episode! I'm attaching a link to the Shawn Phillips song I mentioned. It's a little more folk rock, great lyrics and impressive percussion. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKuXdXaCqLejaqs This is how I remember him.

[@StephanieJeanne]

Well, it was definitely worth the wait!! Seeing Jim brought back so many good vibes from my childhood! What a nice guy he was, and a great host! ☺️💜

[@Afterburner2]

Thank you,thank you ,thank you!!!🙏👍finally Savoy Brown and Wishbone Ash see the light of day once again! Bless you!, Rock history LIVES !!!!!!!

[@DavidB.Rockin]

I don't think my Dad ever heard of either band but I did play some songs for him a few years ago.

[@sg-yq8pm]

Both those bands are still around, in some form, as are Foghat who were formed out of Savoy Brown in 1970.

[@mark240862]

The guy on guitar in the yellow jacket playing in Savoy Brown is the late Paul Raymond of UFO.

[@Afterburner2]

@@mark240862 yes, before he joined Savoy he was in Chicken shack, That particular time for Savoy was a transitional period Kim was having problems with personnel due to heavy handedness from Kim's brother/manager who held back in paying members, as a result the lps suffered for a time, Paul decided to opt out and went with UFO and finished out his career successfully and with class

[@rafael16759]

​@@sg-yq8pm savoy brown disbaned the main singer died

[@JayBird911]

I look forward to this every Friday. Such a good time!

[@mr.mikeyg.5282]

Thank you Midnight Special for taking back when I was 15 watching these shows. The era when Ovation guitars ruled. Thank you Charlie and Bill Kaman!

[@simonvanderheijden432]

Ovation guitars suck..

[@Matt-dj4cb]

I worked at ovation new htfd ct about 1970.i màde the round backs.injecting molding with 2 sheets of fiber glass .I formed onto mold 2 sheets then shot in tar and pulled hood over mold .I would get 1 out of 10 that were usàble.i had one of the first hollow body elecs.llooked like a gretch

[@Patriotic545]

What a great live performance of the song operator, Big bad leroy brown, dance to the music and tell mama. I only hear those in our radio during the 70s. Now i see and hear the artists Live on stage.

[@kellter70]

dang the little anthony n imperials tune at the end was sooo sweet. got me good. precious music unites~~ lives on forever. love love.

[@Zac-ls6hn]

Jim Croce is one of the few artists that quite literally transports me when eye close my I's😂❤

[@RockinEd]

Three months later he'd be gone :( we still miss him and his music.

[@rebeccawagner4167]

Awesome for putting Jim Croce on the Midnight Special 🎉🎉he's a fantastic artist and story teller🎉🎉

[@novakingood3788]

Little Anthony & The Imperials just looked and sounded out of this world! 😍 Read this about Bobby Womack: "[He] said in an interview that he had told Sam Cooke he did not want the Rolling Stones to record their version of [It's All Over Now], and that he had told Mick Jagger to get his own song. Cooke convinced him to let the Rolling Stones record the song. Six months later on, after receiving the royalty check for the song, Womack told Cooke that Mick Jagger could have any song he wanted."

[@cameramanzoomit]

Fascinating to hear Jim Croce speak. We sure missed out on a lot of great music losing him so early. Genius writer. His songs are in my blood.

[@jamesmack3314]

Yes..seems like a cool dude

[@joejones9520]

genius singer too, he makes it sound so easy but in reality virtually no one can sing his songs correctly, there was something very unusual about his voice...just like with JHendrix, TPetty...their singing is so casual it seems like an afterthought but then try to sing it and you cant.

[@jamesmack3314]

@@joejones9520 I mean, you can probably say that about a lot of different singers. I can’t see anybody, but Roger Daltrey doing the Who or Jagger doing the stones. He has a pretty unique voice that’s for sure.

[@joejones9520]

@@jamesmack3314 Ive been a singer in a lot of cover bands, people like jagger, daltrey, any of the Beatles, JTaylor, are easy to copy, in fact most singers unless they hit incredibly high notes, are pretty easy to passably copy, however, JCroce, TPetty, Hendrix, young John Fogerty, KCobain,, Layne Staley and for women, Janis Joplin; almost no one can even passably emulate them, even AJ Croce cant sing his father's songs correctly...it's bizarre and unexplainable why some voices have this inimitable quality. Oh wait, another one is Johnny Cash, certainly his songs in their low keys can be easily sung by any male singer however it wont sound anything like him; he had a deep timber that was incredibly unique. But then Hank Williams Senior; I can sing almost exactly like him, I bet I could pass for him vocally if I really tried and I dont think Im unique in that ability. I think it's so damn cool tho that there are certain voices that are so unique theyre almost magical.

[@jamesmack3314]

@@joejones9520 I understand what you’re saying my point is, is that the who wouldn’t be the who, without Daltrey singing those songs and stones would not be the stones without Jaggers voice singing those songs… sure any number of people ,cover bands ,bar bands can sing those songs, but it’s never going to match the perfection that the original guys provided. their voices are unique just like Jim Croce, tom Petty, or Jimi Hendrix etc, definitely Credence wouldn’t be credence without Fogarty‘s voice

[@BK-uf6qr]

Wow, what a show. The musicianship and showmanship is top notch.

[@humormewithspecifics]

My parents were in high school during this time. Great to see the pop culture they were following at the time and boy were they lucky, because the music was just groovy!

[@matthewclark9652]

Jim Croce made 1 more TV appearance on The Helen Reddy Show on NBC in the 1st week of September 1973 but that was it. I forgot that Croce & the other guitarist was on a PBS 30 minute special as well that was taped & shown in October of 1973 as a tribute!!

[@charmerci]

I was looking forward to Jim but WOW - Little Anthony and the Imperials. Probably the best performance on the show so far! Holy S***!

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

Definitely wow...I was expecting them to do a heartfelt ballad like Tears on My Pillow, and they came out with a high-energy medley of Sly Stone covers. Great stuff!

[@KittyGrizGriz]

For sure! Had me dancing!! 💃

[@VictorPersico]

It will soon be 50 years without Jim and Mauren. With just two acoustic guitars they make a more powerful sound that many bands today cannot achieve. Perfection! Wherever you both are, know that you are remembered!

[@pwhit59]

Jim was a legend. He had a short life but brought some of the folks rock songs that made big hits.

[@RigoMuniz]

Many of the young generation will not understand the meaning of operator. I miss Jim Croce, such a great singer. My God I wish I can go back to 1973

[@toma5246]

There's no one who's EVER been like Jim..Maury backing him up in his music and life..his wife as well..now his son carries on his music...an extremely unique artist, human being and song writer!!❤️

[@dennispovlak3074]

No doubt

[@darrelyoung3485]

Saw AJ few years back, now he is on tour this year, seeing him again.

[@SKHoolinary]

​@@darrelyoung3485What is his son's name? I would live to see him sing. Jim was my favourite singer back in the day.❤

[@bennyscissorhands6477]

Bobby Womack just killed it!!! RIP Bobby👊🏼

[@garyt7855]

I remember when performed this on the Midnight Special. It's so cool to see this after 50 years

[@KavonWilson-zj9wk]

I wanna see the episode of midnight special where he perform facts of life an harry hippie

[@danstone8783]

I knew I would love Jim and Wishbone Ash but Bobby Womack was crazy good.

[@KavonWilson-zj9wk]

@@danstone8783 that's bobby Womack in his prime... Y'all gotta see the video of him singing Harry hippie an facts of life on midnight sung it so long they stay on a extra 10 mins

[@danstone8783]

He and Wilson Pickett got the best throaty screams I have heard so far@@KavonWilson-zj9wk

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Great song , great artist, great memories, great times , when friends and family were still around, what I’d give for just a few days to go back.

[@joycehoward5193]

"In Memory Of*Jim*and my husband*Ira*We miss you so much and pray some of the goodness may be left to our children"

[@gavinsmit7752]

Wow awesome Shawn Phillips, what great musician and songwriter met him in South Africa a few years ago , what a humble gentleman, became a fireman when his popularity wained

[@jimplaysric]

I was 6 years old when this aired, but I remember those times so clearly, when Jim was alive, his songs playing on the radio all the time, then three months after this, he was gone, and it was over. Except we have the songs, I guess that's what it's really all about in the end?

[@valsteve2000]

OMG...first time ive seen and heard Jim Croce sing live. I discovered him in the early 80's and started singing his songs with my guitar back then. Its just amazing the midnight special episodes were well preserve to this day and im very thankful to those people who painstakingly did an excellent job. Who would think that we will still be able to witness these great talents of that era.

[@janicetrimmell6897]

I'm still reeling from how much I loved this episode. So much great music for many eclectic tastes. Now, I am already in crazy anticipation for next week and the incredible brothers Gibb.

[@StephanieJeanne]

I know what you mean! I feel like I just left a concert. My head is spinning! That was amazing! Have a great weekend, Janice! ✌️

[@jaygreen1313]

@@StephanieJeanne That’s how I feel. It’s like you went to an all day festival with so many high level musicians and groups . Try to get these types of lineups week after week now. Would never happen.

[@37Dionysos]

Wow, Wishbone Ash playing "Jail Bait"! Them was tv days. Long gone now.

[@CowGirlKat8691]

So sad that Jim was going to retire from the road to spend time with his little boy & wife but he was killed instead. Love his music today just as much as I did when it came out! Thankx for sharing him with us again! 💜

[@kropkamark]

And that little boy grew upto be a talent in his own right .....AJ CROCE

[@musicalSFCat]

Savoy Brown & Wishbone Ash. Cool!

[@ardiris2715]

By far, my favorite episode so far. Two upside-down leftie Les Pauls in a row! Go, Lefties!! Shawn's keyboardist is burning. Proof that Wishbone Ash received crap production in the recording studios. They needed what Roger Glover did for Nazareth. (:

[@billheuber5884]

One of the best singer and songwriters to ever exist!! It absolutely sucks that you passed so young!! We absolutely Miss you, so much, jim!!❤❤

[@peterschott1500]

Savoy Brown -I like their sound!

[@NCLUSA]

I was around 20 years old when this aired, and now I'm 70, and I'm still watching it. It's funny how time works. ( : Young people!!!, don't let time slip by you, enjoy it while you can.

[@steveperry3538]

Absolutely right on

[@philobeddoe8342]

Dang, not even 3 months later he was gone. I would say it wasn't until about 76 or 77 that I came to appreciate Jim's music. I was only 3 and a half when this show aired, but at 6 and 7 I was well aware of his stuff from the radio. Sitting in the backseat while the radio played the music of the day or recent past. It's basically what got me into Queen as a youngster.

[@jamesmack3314]

Operator is such a great song….

[@simonharper4199]

what a treat to see Wishbone Ash on here

[@giuliocaputi8106]

I don't understand they play only one song instead of the others

[@michaellawrence5492]

It remains timeless if it can reach the heart.

[@juniperlea5693]

⚘🙏💕 Many thanks! I love this so much. A precious time capsule in loving memory of an amazing songwriter and performer. I'm catching his son at the Troubadour later this month.

[@StephanieJeanne]

Wow! That's wonderful!

[@chuckm4540]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Thank you Jim Croce and Maury Muehleisen for creating timeless songs we'll be listening to 200 years from now.

[@KavonWilson-zj9wk]

Bobby Womack in his prime love that performance post more of him

[@user-xw6tp6jx1g]

I was born in 1961 so the seventies were my formative years and I am so glad I lived in these great years. Music like this never replicated.

[@marymuehleisen6980]

Setting my alarm. See you all at 8 p.m. tonight!

[@GingerbreaddGypsy]

❤❤❤

[@janicetrimmell6897]

My best to you sister💖💗

[@GingerbreaddGypsy]

@@janicetrimmell6897 watching in spirit with you 💜💜💜

[@mikemazz3377]

Was a huge loss to not only the music scene but to the entire world Jim Croce was such an amazing man truly missed

[@GenerChalwangco]

Im so much love jim songs super nice.

[@OldSalt73]

Great to hear all those songs again. I was aboard the USS Constellation in the Western Pacific on this date. We had arrived off Vietnam the previous January catching the final days of the conflict. I was totally unaware of Croce's death until returning back to the US in late October. What a tragic loss! I was a huge fan. Just think of all the songs that could have been written.

[@GingerbreaddGypsy]

I am so excited. I have waited a lifetime to see this episode and never could find it. ❤

[@gregoryduncan3067]

They put Maury in the thumbnail. Cool.

[@StephanieJeanne]

I honestly didn't know who Maury was. I mean, I never paid attention when I was a kid. But wow! And then I didn't realize his sister and brother were in the chat at first. That was great! ✌️

[@gregoryduncan3067]

​@@StephanieJeanneThat tore the roof off tonight.

[@Thadmotor1044]

Little Anthony and the Imperials rock , and I bet they show up for their gigs

[@mr.mikeyg.5282]

Rest In Peace Jim. You’re songs are timeless! 🙏

[@user-zi8ke1rf6m]

In that time I'm exist in these world 🌍full of Mumble's and promise's whispering my mom when I was,in here whom.but now I am scared just because our life is too short for living RIP, IDOL.

[@goodtimefolkrock]

Nice to finally see this in it's entirety for the first time since 73. The croce /muehleisen/west trio was bound to be the future for jim croce im sure......they sounded totally on point

[@HJFRD]

❤ Jim Croce ❤, thanks to my friend Stephen, I got to know him and fell in love with his beautiful music. An irreplaceable loss in the history of music ❤ I'm eagerly looking forward to the episode of "Hamilton Joe Frank & Reynolds" 🙏 they put on an incredible live show 🤩🎶🎸🤟 Eternal thanks for letting us enjoy the greatest music of all time ❤

[@waltdill927]

I was "into" much harder rock and pre-metal stuff when Jim Croce met his tragic fate. I did like his music, and obvious dedication to craft. I seem to recall, standing at a news rack in an old-school pharmacy/notions store, hearing Walter Cronkite announce the crash on a radio playing in the background. My heart instantly sank like lead. I was sixteen, and a lot older.

[@ronnydowdy7432]

❤ I remember when this was on TV. I was 13 years old.

[@ericligotke3542]

I was a giant Jim Croce fan. Even though I was ten years old in 1973 I had his first two albums. I played them all the time. Then, I remember getting into the car one day and my mom telling me that he had died in a plane accident. That hit me so hard, and I cried for days. He really touched me with his music and enthusiasm. After he passed the song I got a name was released. Rollin me down the highway, what great lyrics

[@jtennessee]

I went to a lot of these growing up in LB. Don Kirshner's rock concerts too. They were always free and, not knowing who you were going to see was the fun part. just show up. Thanks for the memories. I got on Tv once too.. Does that make me immortal with the absence of aging? HAH I wish I remember Wolf Man took many takes..AHHHH OHHH baby hahha Howl.

[@captainmoretokin2172]

I miss Jim so much . He was the coolest dude on the planet. And all the guests here were great . I have been a fan of Savoy brown ever since their music hit the airwaves. Wishbone Ash has been another favorite from back in the day. To grow up then with all the great bands was the best times of my life, and now it seems like a dream.