Forgotten Fretmasters #20 - Jim Croce & Maury Muehleisen's INCREDIBLE Partnership

The music business can be a nasty affair. How many stories are there about crooked managers, bad record deals and swindling promoters? So, it’s refreshing every once in a while to tell you about a pair of musicians who made an unbelievable deal with each other that set egos aside and focused only the music……. Today, we will feature two guitarists whose stories are intertwined forever in the music that they made. But they don’t have the epic backstory and long career of some of the others we’ve featured on this channel……This is the story of 2 gentlemen, rare, indeed in the annals of rock, that understood each others talent and decided to make a pact for the ages…. Today we’re going to take an important look at a lost sideman with some MEAN acoustic chops, and a songwriter who’s “everyman” voice became a signature one of the 1970s….. Here’s the story of Jim Croce and Maury Muehleisen.
Green Leaves by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...

[@tomjohnson4584]

My partner, Guy Drake, and I toured with Jim and Maury for the last six months of Jim's life. We were supposed to be on that plane but had a photo shot in Chicago that day. Everything you say here is spot on. I've never heard the story told so well. Thank you so much for making this video, Tom Johnson

[@ronnieking9089]

Thanks for sharing Tom. I was 10 or 11 when Jim and Maury died. I was too young to really understand the meanings of some of the experimental, loud and sometimes what seemed like distorted sounds some bands made at that time. Not Croce's songs though. They had a feel to their lyrics and a soul comforting feeling that always made me smile. He was the first artist I ever became a fan of. Back then AM radio was the way songs were listened to and I remember many a day talking myself into my older brothers car just so I could experience the awesome car/music experience. Also because Croce was on every station 3-4 times an hour due to the abundance of talent he had to craft a song. Then that night happened...I went from shock, to denial, and finally anger. My guy, my personally chosen first fan experience with a music up and coming legend, just stopped. I thought a lot in that next year about what we had lost, future compositions that will never be started, nevermind finished. I guess all my rambling on is because I want you to know that the incident really impacted me then and I've carried a certain subconscious degree of anger that he died when his sun shone brightest whenever I hear or see anything about him. You toured with him, and I hope got to know him. May I ask how you felt at the time of this budding superstars death that day, and also today?

[@joebloggs8636]

Maurie is always forgotten when Jim Croce's death is mentioned....thanks for remembering a guy who just went about his love of music...

[@johnscot1]

I don't think so. Any genuine Jim Croce fan knows exactly how good Maury was and what he gave to Jim's songs.

[@stevesick1]

@@johnscot1cmon. Maury was not only barely mentioned being in the crash, but most people never knew who he was when he was alive.. yeah people who are really into crocce know who he is but average music lovers who like crocce I guarantee never knew his name.. which is a travesty because Maury was an unbelievable musician who was incredible at complimenting crocce’s styke

[@johnscot1]

@@stevesick1 That's why I wrote " any GENUINE JC fan" would know who he was. I agree a more casual listener to Jim's music may not

[@stevesick1]

@@johnscot1 my mistake you’re right anybody that likes Jim Croce a lot would definitely know him

[@davidgerald133]

​@johnscot1 by genuine you mean the hard-core fans Alot of people are fans that might not ever know the back story

[@kenwolski4144]

I was born in Trenton 4 months before Maury. We weren't close, but we had a lot of mutual friends. One day, he came to my girlfriend's house, sat down on the living room rug, and gave us a guitar concert for about an hour. It was over 50 years ago, but I'll never forget it. He really was a beautiful soul.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Man, it's just hard for me to watch this. Croce remains one of my absolute favorites. I grew up in a farm/blue-collar family. When I was young, Croce seemed like a voice for people like us. His loss still hurts.

[@TheComfortInStatic_Official]

Couldn’t agree more, my friend. 😢

[@edalder2000]

"Operator" is one of my favorite songs. What gets me about "Operator" is that it's in a major key. The lyrics and phrasing just intensify the heartbreak. Croce was able to tell a story in a straightforward way where no one was to blame. As I have grown older, I realize that bad things "just happen" even if I do everything just "right." Jim Croce had that sense of world weariness that made him seem like he was talking just to you.

[@suzannelawson9215]

Hard to believe that it's been almost 50 years (in September)since we lost Jim & Maury. I know they would have gone on to be very successful as singers, songwriters. So much talent in these two musicians.

[@DavidSmith-sw2vw]

Still remember where I was when I heard the terrible news. I'm 71 years old old now and was 22 at that time.

[@SolKnopfMusic]

Wow…you did an amazing job on this. As good as any I’ve ever seen. When I was 10 years old, Jim and Maury did a concert at Wesley College in Dover,DE. A friend of mine asked if I would like to go. Even though “Operator” was a hit, I had no idea who JIm Croce was..but asked how much the tickets were. My friend said, “$8”. Well, for a 10 year old kid in the early 70’s, 8 bucks seemed like a fortune. I was afraid to ask my parents for the $ and told my friend I couldn’t go. I’m now 61 years old and have been a full time musician my whole life. I had the chance to see Jim Croce for $8 and didn’t go. Talk about living with regret! That taught me the lesson to say “Yes” whenever I can.

[@kshawk108]

Setting aside the truly iconic work of Croce and Muehleisen, the two musicisians as men came to life through your terrific storytelling. You, my friend ,are the unsung hero of this world class trio. I will always remember the class, the specifics detail, and the heartfelt admiration that came asross loud and clear in your tribute. You are clearly a master at your craft too, my friend.

[@dadaveda]

You didn’t mention the most cut throat practice of the music industry: not paying the creators properly. Jim was becoming a star but had no money and he had to tour, the same thing happened to Buddy Holly.

[@josephclarke4244]

It took Jim's wife close to thirty years to settle over royalties from Jim's work! The bastards fought a newly widowed wife with a baby to support as they stuffed money in their britches!

[@stevesick1]

@@josephclarke4244it appears that you have to be a complete dirtbag to be top brass in the music industry. All I ever hear about is how musicians are always screwed outta everything. I wonder if it will ever change

[@meggletherow9086]

Well done synopsis of Jim’s career. Thanks for including the role of Joe Salviuolo (and spelling and pronouncing it right!). Sal was a friend of mine from 1978 until he passed in 2010. He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. He also produced Jim’s “Facets” album. He wrote “Thursday “, one of the few songs Jim recorded that were written by others.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Their acoustic guitar work, playing off of each other was nothing short of phenomenal. During the 70s both of them influenced my acoustic work in so many ways, just by listening/watching them play their guitars, while singing. It was such a sad day hearing over the news that both of them had died together. I just chalked it up as two more went to rock ‘n’ roll Heaven. I sure appreciate all of your productions. They’re always very enjoyable; very concise and to the point. Thanks, again;)

[@almightygus]

Wonderful. When I figured out Maury's use of sixth intervals combined with pentatonic runs "Operator" put me light years of fellow rockers. I love handshake deals honered.

[@4absentfriends]

Quite possibly the finest duo the Music Industry has ever seen (IMHO). Lost far too early in their illustrious careers.

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

That was a sad sad day indeed when we lost them both, such a big loss to the music industry, would have loved to seen where they went and how far they went, I have no doubt they would be household names all over the world. Well Jim probably is but not poor Maury, he was a absolutely talented guitar player! RIP brothers 🙏, rock n roll heaven got them too!

[@folsom68ajohnnycashtribute7]

Thank you for posting this. Today is the 50th Anniversary of their tragic deaths!

[@mikebunner3498]

These men were wonderful... They were SO GOOD! May they rest in peace!!

[@gr500music6]

They were simply the best duo ever (other Philly greats Hall and Oates notwithstanding) and they never even got to know it. I go through Lindell a lot (it's just a crossroads on Route 282 south of Glenmoore, beautiful, wooded, peaceful and the farmhouse is still there) and I always think of them when I do. In the early seventies, there was James, Joni, Cat, Elton and and these two; and even in that company they were in nobody's shadow. A true Philly story and human tragedy. Maury was just a monster on guitar. Can't say enough about him or Jim. What a loss but what a gift all the same.

[@soundhoundzmusic]

Love this

[@pumpkinking5174]

I'm from Delaware County, PA and I grew up with Jim and Maury's music. Always proud to walk the same streets as Jim. Maury was a unbelievable player. So sad to lose them both so young.

[@cynthia2128]

This is absolutely amazing..thank you for this contribution..Jim and Maury were an awesome duo..two musicians that left us way too soon..RIP dynamic duo

[@MrFinallythere]

What an astonishing and well thought out portrayal of Jim Croce & Maury Muehleisen musical collaboration. Thank you for the time in and depicting Time in a Bottle. Their music is iconic.

[@jimmybryan6760]

A damn stupid shame to lose Jim and Maury like that, and a damn shame that they were pressing on through that rigorous tour schedule and Jim could barely afford to put clothes on his back. IIRC he had one pair of jeans and one of his few shirts was a gift from Hoyt Axton. Most of the money was tied up and after his passing Ingrid spent years in court trying to get what he was due. Her book detailing those days was an eye opener, recommended reading.

[@marshabailey1121]

Thank you for telling Maury's story. What an incredible partnership and legacy,

[@johnl152]

What a great piece! The death of these two great musicians is a terrible loss. Maury's guitar playing is incredible, as is Jim's songwriting. A really talented duo that were taken way too soon.

[@drmusic3641]

It was early 1974 and I was 14 when I was just getting into music. A friend of mine lent me all three of Jim's albums. and after listening to them several times, I said we should go see live whenever he comes around. That was when he told me that Jim had died the previous August.

[@DjBounce60]

Loved every second of you video spoken through spirit and soul. Bravo

[@earllsimmins9373]

Thank you. That B&W of Maury playing outside in Washington Crossing Park NJ was one taken by me. If you have not listened to Gingerbread yet, treat yourself, and you will see how Maury was the lover and Jim was the street fighter.

[@christaputt4041]

I just found out about Gingerbread. I'm listening to it now.

[@earllsimmins9373]

Maury was a gentle soul women wanted him like a Teddy bear. You will find some Gordon Lightfoot and John Denver Ilinfluences my favorite is "A song I heard so long ago"

[@420Gold]

Jim croce will live on in music history for a LONG time to come. Im 34 now, and while i had known the big hits (you dont mess around with jim, and leroy brown) most my life, I really discovered his music about 10 years ago. Since then he has been my hands down favorite song write of all time. And truly, I prefer the few live or 'rough' versions of his songs because they only feature just jim, maury and their guitars, or just jim and his. Maurys licks are fucking perfect. I really discovered them because I had been learning guitar (mostly acoustic) for about a year and wanted to find some fun acoustic song to play (mostly with my fingers) and I looked up you dont mess around with jim, which then sent me down the croce rabbit hole. Literally every song is a gem, and the way he words basically everything is truly second to no one else (even as a bob dylan fan, croce is far superior song writer in my opinion). Also, I saw AJ croces "Croce plays Croce" last fall, and it was maybe my favorite show of all time. Ive seens dozens and dozens of shows (no idea how many), and I have seen hundreds of live artists including many older acts (deep purple, robert plant, zz top, stix, furthur ect) and there was something truly special seeing AJ embrace his fathers music. Also, AJ is a phenomenal musician. Everyone whos a croce fan should go see AJ.

[@steveinge7058]

Thanks for sharing this good story, but a sad, sad one.

[@JacobWhyDontYouPutOnALiLMakeup]

Nearly every song if you listen closely to Maury's parts it's almost like a solo but I wouldn't call it that more that it's very technical playing that gives the songs such a good flow with melodies that compliments Jim's singing and guitar playing perfectly. One of the most underrated guitar players of all time. Not to mention that he plays flawlessly live

[@jeffreyhillmeyer3391]

Yes and to add the way Maury fills and compliments Jim’s song is poetic in that it’s enough. This is why the songs are so strong in timeless quality. It’s the achievement of truth, goodness and beauty. Transcendental. It’s why my son at 22 is pursuing music composition at the university, specifically after listening repeatedly to Operator. God is good!

[@Maryden69]

Jim Croce a good, family man was taken to soon. Maurie you are sadly missed. So talented.

[@jolee3633]

How amazing the longevity of Jim Croce music considering how short it actually was!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I love these two legends. Their guitar playing blends so well

[@jeffreyhillmeyer3391]

I have always admired Maury's work and the reason I told my son that a classical guitar training is essential to playing beautifully crafted melodies and bridges in harmony with another. We are all blessed that these two musical craftsmen came together when they did. And though short-lived, they came to fulfill something God intended, and their work was completed.

[@MrDoneboy]

And of course...They passed together. Bummer!

[@JohnnyHurbonConnections]

Like Roberto Clemente , gone so quickly and legacy in progress.

[@vicjr5107]

Two of my faves in their respected careers. Both losses affected me deeply. Was in high school when both died... sad.

[@shovelhead56]

Bravo!! Another thoughtful narrative. Have always enjoyed their Music since first hearing back in early 70s. Photographs and Memories, being my favorite. 66 now and still touches me when hearing it to this day🤙

[@DennisDeMark-z4r]

A musical partnership made in heaven . Rest in Peace Jim and Maury.

[@PirateRadioPodcasts]

Q - WHY exactly did this music LEGEND (duo) DIE in that plane crash? Mechanical failure, pilot error, OR ....... ?????? thx.

[@anniejacs5750]

Go back & read. It says that the pilot had CORRONARY.

[@michaltopas]

I know this video is more than one year old, but I just discovered it and want to thank you so much. I am listening to their music for over 40 years now and it still touches my soul. Thank you from Frankfurt, Germany.

[@ssmith9438]

Actually, they had 2 shows remaining on the tour, first was at North Texas University, Denton Texas, the last was at Cameron University, Lawton Okla. I had been stationed at Wichita Falls, Texas, about an hour south of Lawton. We had tickets to go see them.

[@adstx1949]

He was supposed to play in San Angelo, TX on October 3, 1973. But we know what happened..

[@michaelsciortino5519]

Fantastic tribute. I've followed Jim Croce since the mid-70's. He's the reason I wanted to learn to play the guitar.

[@pattybob5536]

Me too!

[@difalkner]

You butchered the pronunciation of 'Natchitoches' and minor mispronounced 'pecan' but otherwise it was a good video.

[@NYVoice]

Well put together. Anyone who knows about Jim and Maury has heard much of this. But very good narration and laying out the facts so poignantly. On Sept 20 next month, this is a go-to video. Thank you.

[@jkstormtrooper9617]

Great background story.

[@CharlesPryor-ic9ek]

Interesting, detailed story! Thanks!

[@biscuitboy3617]

Yeah, this brought back memories! I was about 5 years old when this tragedy happened. I remember riding in our family station wagon and Mom was driving, and listening to KWIZ radio out of the San Diego area when they announced the news of the crash and Jim's passing. I remember Mom pulling off the road and stopping the car while tears ran down her face. I was too young to fully grasp her emotions at the time, but I would see it again just a few years later when Elvis Presley passed. Her and my Dad were devastated. I feel like great, legendary musicians like them are kinda like your own family members sometimes, even though we may not know them personally, their music and their persona still has a way of becoming a big part of your life.

[@mojogaucho]

He's back! Don't leave it so long. Very few people can capture the attention of the listener purely with their voice and the story they tell. You have that gift. Hanging out for your next installment.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Thank you! Trying to get back on the horse with weekly uploads again

[@DjNikGnashers]

Studied classical piano from the age of 9, but only started playing guitar aged 17. Unfortunately died aged 24, incredible guitarist in such a short space of time.

[@mountart2]

I've always been a hard core rock and punk music lover... but weirdly, I have always had a soft spot for these two. Guilty pleasure I guess. Thanks for vid!

[@iliveforeveryoung9017]

Loved this video. Amazing tribute to a pair of great musicians.

[@fool1shmortal]

I heard of and love the work of Croce, Denver, Lightfoot, Taylor, etc, but not Muehleisen or their promoter friend. Thanks!

[@maximusmeridius6610]

I didn't even know about the other guy. Growing up in the seventies with an insane alcoholic father who hated rock n roll and long-haired hippies wasn't easy. My music intake was completely controlled. But my father loved music and he bought albums and one of them was Jim croce's greatest hits album. It was beautiful.

[@JustPlainSteve5372]

Music always Prevails🎵

[@EricOrenciada]

Just subscribed to your channel man! Great Story!

[@tobinharris8107]

Missed you dude. Welcome back and thanks for this installment. Must admit I knew nothing about Maury. Thanks for all your work and keep up the stellar work!

[@scotkelly9880]

it isn't pronounced the way it looks.... it is pronounced Nak-a-toosh

[@stevesick1]

I don’t think I’ve heard a guitarists style compliment another more than Maurys’

[@pkoven]

i would like to add one point which i read somewhere, to share something for all of you who love Jim Croce like i do. That last venue he played the night he died was a make-up concert for a booking that he had missed due his fame and his break-out popularity. he promised the university that he would return for free and perform the missed concert. True to his promise, that last concert he performed for free, to fulfill that moral obligation he took upon himself before he became famous.

[@79tazman]

Jim and Maury was took way too early like most talented musicians were. I was born in 1979 so he was gone before I was born but my uncle and Father listened to Jim all the time and as a kid I liked Bad Bad Leroy brown and Don't mess with jim and as I got older I started to love all of his other music and man he has a good collection of hits for not being around that long anyway I'm big fan of Jim and Maurey and gotta hear jim at least once a week.

[@ferdberfle5069]

A great doc man! I have missed Jim and Maury for the better part of 50 years now. I live in East Texas, not far from the Louisiana border. Natchitoches is one of those weird Cajun names that is not pronounced the way it's spelled. The folks around here pronounce it "Nacadish" don't ask me why, but I pronounced it the way you did in conversation with some local folks and was "forcefully" and quickly corrected!

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

This was one of the hardest videos to do between Muehleisen, Salviuolo, Natchitoches… I knew I was gonna screw up somewhere 😂

[@ferdberfle5069]

@@TheGuitarHistorian I think you did pretty well! I've often wondered if the local folks decided to call the town "Nacadish" was to keep from being confused with a town here in Texas called Nagcadoches which IS pronounced more or less as it's spelled. "Nacadoeshus" would be the more or less phonetic pronounciation. Two of my wife's brothers live there and call it "Nac" for short.

[@waltercreighton5460]

Natchitoches is actually the french spelling of an indian word - Nagcadoches over a little ways in Texas is the spanish spelling of the same word. I was going to the concert at Northwestern State University but was working with my dad who didn't feel well so I stayed at the store and missed the concert. Loved his music and Operator is one of my top 10 songs of all time.

[@davidgerald133]

It is a really sad story. Who knows where the careers could have went. That third album might have changed a lot for them. In time Maury might of had a solo career too

[@PWatts-ff2fd]

Times were so rough, they would take turns wearing the same shirts while they were on the road.

[@StephenKovalczyck]

Mary clearly loves the song. She is intelligent.

[@anton2417]

Forgotten fretmasters - Brian Robertson : thin lizzy

[@alanjohnson2853]

Great video, well done!

[@jerricocrittenden8311]

Would like to see a Jorma Kaukonen forgotten Fret Master.

[@RushStElane]

Thanks for sharing this. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@peetyw8851]

A wonderful tribute.

[@mybiz2167]

Thank you for the video on Clapton's obvious racism! Sorry it's not relevant to this video but since the comments were turned off for that particular video I say it here. 🕊

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

I had to turn off the comments. It remains the only video I’ve ever done that for. It was an unbelievably vile comment section.

[@mmayes9466]

It’s pronounced “Nack-a-tish” It was not foggy with “near zero visibility.”

[@scottbrooks2255]

Pronounced Nak-a-tish

[@TheMerseySound1]

Will you do a video on Ollie Halsall of Patto and Kevin Ayers band? If you’ve not heard him check out ‘Loud Green Song’ by Patto

[@degatagauwatie4073]

I remember Maury Muehleisen. It seems he was the better guitarist, and before Jim Croce became famous, Croce was a backup guitarist for Muehleisen.

[@Keith_X]

Just digging into Maury’s story from listening to Operator and the sweet fills. Interesting story for sure and you do it justice. Would’ve been cool to see what they could’ve done going forward. They fit well and crafted some great work. Thank you.

[@ericcrawford3453]

Thanks man for giving Jim& Maury a shout out! I wish there were more people with a platform out there that would do what youve done. It just seems like there should be more recognition of these guys. Thanks

[@Oldguitar57]

That was wonderful🙏💜 Im choked up😢

[@谷口晴生-h4l]

Thank you for introducing these two great musicians. Thank you very much!

[@brownrich]

Croce obviously died way too early. He was a sensation performer.

[@cathyb2204]

Dang. Do those demos still exist? What priceless treasures. Jim was part of my youth, and will forever remain one of my favorites.

[@ryanmercer600]

A terrible loss

[@sdanjohn]

What a great story. Thanks for doing this. I was a month short of my 13th birthday when he tragically left is early and it hit me hard.

[@acemcateerguitar]

hey man i’ve been binging these videos and i love them so much you’ve put me on to some great players! could you please make a video on mick taylor please and maybe billy gibbons but mick flys under the radar

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

Great story. I was just 13….👍🏳️‍🌈

[@samyouledelmadani]

💔💔

[@jimpowell6964]

This is really good. Growing up in the 70's, this is so real. Thank you!

[@maccool33]

Very informative. Thanks

[@elizabethmuhleisen357]

Thanks for this video, such a tragic loss.

[@bird_dogs_n_bees]

another great vid. it's really good to see you back. love this stuff

[@davidanderson911]

SOOOOOO NOT forgotten!!!

[@GRBAquatics]

SoAwesomeThankyou

[@SamJ_1980]

Maury never got the respect he deserved, most people don't even know who he was. Jim without Maury would be like the Beatles without George...he added a layer of pure awesome sauce to every song Jim wrote.

[@JustPlainSteve5372]

He helped craft Jim's songs identities

[@Fintan42]

Thanks for this, was unaware of their full history. On a side note, I see you've left the mini-humbucker in your LPJ. IMO they are very underappreciated and as much as I love P90's I find my mini's have a great snap/spank sound to them. Keep up the good work!!

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

I just bought a Gibson with 57 classics that I love, but the tone on my Epiphone with that pickup configuration is the best in my collection.

[@jimmylepog5133]

Ohhh shiiit, the last line was devastating

[@54chewbacca]

Incredible story

[@dennisgoodnight2029]

They are both missed so much.

[@v4vinaceous]

Excellent, thanks!

[@lelandstronks319]

Thanks for the story.👍

[@HappyHermitt]

LESLIE WEST DESERVES A VIDEO HERE 🎸

[@TJ-Dives]

Awsome. Thank you.

[@bobperu1]

RIP JIM RIP MAURY

[@johnpuljic2141]

Thnk you so much

[@jamesalec1321]

Thank you for a fine show.