Jim Croce Plane Crash Story

[@robertwolf4043]

I attended his last concert. After the concert he walked out the back door of Prather Coliseum. A friend of mine said I should ask for his autograph. I didn't have anything with me that he could write on so I ran to my car a got an 8-track tape, "Life and Times", Jim Croce. I then ran around the back of the coliseum and just as he was getting in the vehicle to go the 2 miles back to the airport, I caught up with him and asked him to sign the tape. He looked at the title then looked at me and said well, ok, you hold it (he had only one free hand because he was holding his guitar with his other hand). I still have the tape.

[@thisisme3238]

Awesome experience 😎👍🇺🇸

[@Slinger43]

Quite a treasure you have there 💪

[@lelandstronks319]

LUCKY DUDE.👍🤗

[@gregcampbell7952]

u got his last autograph

[@DudeTours]

Amazing, great story.

[@MorrigansRaven3944]

My mom and dad got married to Jim Croce's 'Time In A Bottle' in '72. They've passed too, now and I can't hear that song without tearing up. So beautiful.

[@sandyanderson1285]

So saddeningly sweet

[@bigbilltoady412]

Sorry to hear that. I have lost many loved ones over the years. Mom, Dad a brother and one daughter. I'm 70 now and think of all of them most every day. God Bless and take care.

[@sarahalbers5555]

"Time in a Bottle", a hauntingly beautiful song that holds precious memories for me. Brings tears to my eyes, too

[@MorrigansRaven3944]

@@bigbilltoady412 Thank you. I'm so sorry for your losses, as well😥... I hope this finds you doing well, also. God bless!💯💙🤟

[@Grace-tc1lq]

My husband and I did as well. Beautiful song and says it all. We’re 41 years in. 👍

[@s.mcdaniel1149]

I am a child of the 70s and absolutely loved Jim's music. Still do. Bad Leroy Brown and You Don't Mess Around With Jim were my favorite songs for dancing. I wish he was still around. Imagine the many more wonderful songs he would have given us.

[@briangoldy8784]

I'm From Philadelphia. My Buddy went to school with Jim Croce,, I was 16 in 73. We were really emotional when we heard the Bad News..

[@MrSuzuki1187]

I was 23 years old in 1973 and loved Jim Croce's music! Ironically, I was also a pilot flying the Beechcraft E18S, the same model that killed Jim, for a commuter airline when the accident occurred. Jim's pilot was flying illegally since to fly the Beech 18 for hire, you needed to pass an FAA Class 2 physical exam, and the pilot's heart attack just 5 months prior to the accident would have caused the FAA to ground him and revoke his physical. But I am guessing that he did not inform the FAA or maybe even his employer of the heart attack. So, he was in violation of the Federal Air Regulations and should never have bee flying that plane on that flight. The FAA is also responsible for allowing the formidable Twin Beech to be flown in those conditions without a copilot. I flew that airplane for 6 years and 3,000 hours 1973-1979, and was an instructor in it. There were 12 levers the pilot needed to move for every altitude change which made the cockpit workload for one pilot intense at times. In addition, he should have never taken off downwind. That increased his takeoff distance, decreased his climb rate, and decreased his climb angle which led to the collision with the tree. That guy was just too old and in too bad health to be flying such a demanding airplane at night and in fog.

[@DudeTours]

Wow, that description puts a lot in perspective. Thank you!

[@billythekid3234]

Joe ty for all the good info! The pilot should not have been flying a ultralite! much less a B18.

[@MrSuzuki1187]

@@billythekid3234 Thanks Billy!

[@bigdaddydaddy3203]

This comment is absolute gold thank u for sharing this

[@bombasticbuster9340]

Absolutely criminal.

[@nathanmoak1515]

when i heard that he had died, i had to cry. i was a full grown man, but that didn't matter. jim was a tremendously talented songwriter and all i could think about was what would he have written if he had lived? my youngest sister was going to college there and attended his last concert. what an absolute loss! jim is in my permanent playlist and will never be replaced.

[@Steve-tc2pi]

Jim was good. No one sounds like him. He was a good story teller.

[@BeGeebers]

Such a great loss. He was a Master songwriter, husband, musician and friend. He is greatly missed by not only friends and family but his fans also.

[@whatwillbem6825]

I still love his music…😔rip Jim you’re not forgotten…

[@chachadodds5860]

As simply a devoted fan of Jim Croce, I was just out of HS, when I heard the news of his death; I was devastated. I remember my dad asking me why I was so upset. I told him that Jim was an incredibly talented singer-songwriter, who was just beginning his rise to fame, and that a loss of such talent, was a loss to the whole world. Thank you, for creating this video. I've always wondered about the circumstances behind the crash. It brings tears to my eyes, even now. What a terrible, and avoidable tragedy. It's really heartwarming, to see that Jim's son went on to follow in his footsteps. I watched an interview with him, and you can tell that he knows how much his dad loved him.

[@wingedbuffalo4670]

Just Stunned. When this happened, it was the beginning of my sophomore year of H.S.; my buddies and I were big Jim Croce fans and were just numb that morning before school started when we heard about the crash. All these years later, the background story is almost more dumbfounding. How could any man -- let alone a 57 year-old who was no longer in "prime athletic condition" -- who, moreover, HAD SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK JUST A FEW MONTHS PRIOR, EVER THINK IT WAS A "GOOD IDEA" to RUN 3 MILES to the airport ??? !!!!!!!!!!!!! Let alone be back at work flying "that" soon after his heart attack ... ESPECIALLY in 1973 before the modern cardiac care breakthroughs modern medicine has made in recent decades ????????

[@stevepatrick3013]

Outstanding presentation of one of the saddest, most tragic loss of a truly great talent ever. A husband and father that worked so hard to build a good life for himself and his family. The guy was great. Maury too. Never to be forgotten. ❤️🎵🙏🏻

[@petepeter1857]

He is one of my all time favorites. His voice is one of the purest I have ever heard. Jim made it seem so easy. RIP, Slim.

[@timcollard6437]

I was 14 yrs. old when my mom came outside to tell me about his plane crash ..... it felt like my heart had been dropped in a well... I still feel that when I think of him.... he was and still is one of my biggest inspirations.... keep his memory alive!!!!!!!!!

[@jgiza8888]

I was 10 years old... Don't remember Croce so much as the beautiful song I got a name. I love the song so much... RIP CROCE.

[@garychambers5850]

Same here! I was 19, driving my girlfriend home when it came over the radio! I was in shock! I was just getting into him and his music! I loved it! I feel so bad for all the folks on that plane, especially Jim's partner, Maury Muehleisen . I know they all met in Heaven at the same time.. The folks who hurt soi bad are the the ones left behind, like his wife and Child...

[@larry3034]

Jim will live on through his beautiful music, miss you still.

[@2puffs770]

I was a young girl of 11 when I opened the front door to collect the morning paper and saw the headline "Jim Croce Killed in Plane Crash'......I busted up into a million tears......I was already a huge fan of him......used to sneak up and watch Don Kirschner's Rock Concert, Midnight Special, etc. to watch him perform. For me, this was the day the music died. My parent's couldn't figure out why it was taking me so long to come back in with the paper......they just found me sitting on the front step bawling my eyes out. "Oh Rapid Roy that stock car boy, he don't know what fear's about. He do 180 smilin' at the camera with a toothpick in his mouth. He got a tattoo on his arm that say 'Baby', he got another one that just say 'Hey', but every Sunday afternoon he was dirt track demon in a '57 chevrolet......him, and Harry Chapin.....best of the best!

[@barrygrant2907]

Right after my wife and I were married in 1972, I began a series of trips to Southeast Asia in support of the war, six months gone, home for 30 days, back for six more months, etc. It was hard on my new bride, but she hung tough. I heard Time In A Bottle and knew it had to be "our song." Ironic that Jim wrote it when his wife complained about him being gone so much. Jim, you are sorely missed to this day.

[@lizzabbott]

He wrote , I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song in response to Ingrid’s concerns. He wrote Time In A Bottle for his son. Btw his son , AJ Croce , is a phenomenal Musician & currently on tour with a full band of Grammy winning players. I just saw them. Amazing ! Go see him if you can ! Seriously ! A heavy weight & virtuoso in his own right !

[@richardblayneamerican8149]

I remember the morning I heard about his death on the radio. It was heartbreaking. So many incredible songs in such a brief time. I still play his albums often; I can sing them all from memory. Thanks for this wonderful look back at Jim's career.

[@ValerieGriner]

I'm watching this on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash. I LOVE Jim Croce's music...it is timeless.

[@Shilohii65]

When Jim and the others died I was nearly 8 years old. Obviously then we listened to whatever was on the radio, because LPs were just about it. Cassettes and 8-tracks were starting to become a thing, but radio was it. Jim’s lyrics and songs resonated with me. When choosing something to put in my high school year book, below my picture, I chose lyrics from “I’ve Got a Name.” Just seemed fitting as my dad and I are not close, never have been, and he grew up in the same small town and lives there now, at 83 years of age. Not sure that I’m living the life that he kept his, but I’m trying to move ahead so life won’t pass me by. Thanks for the informative video on the life of Jim Croce. Peace…..

[@twaodood5106]

YEAH....BUT HE SANG IT LIKE NO ONE ELSE COULD!!! CASE CLOSED!!!

[@davidgreer1785]

Lifetime Jim Croce fan and aviation enthusiast/private pilot. Learning these details makes me melancholy for him all over again. Thanks for the new insights .

[@d.g.n9392]

I was graduating high school in 1972 and remember much of the old tv appearances and hearing all the songs on the radio. And was so shocked about the sudden death. His wife was able to go ahead through life and keep his music a success as well as starting very successful restaurant businesses. A very well done video.

[@justinbarnes5498]

Thanks for taking the time to share this documentary with us. I have enjoyed Jim's songs for many years, but never realized he died in this manner.

[@lelandstronks319]

Thank you for this story. Jim was my idol at 15 years old, I was devastated at his death, I've always wanted to know what happened. Charles Fox and Norman Gimble wrote”I've got a name “ Jim did feel connected to the song. I still light a candle every September 20th, for everyone on that plane. We will always miss them.🎶👌😢

[@DudeTours]

Thank you for watching and sharing your story. After making this video I had an even greater appreciation for him and his music. Even after all these years his songs took me right back to the 70s.

[@rickycarter7154]

Me too, Brother

[@MrSuzuki1187]

Tim, since I was flying the Beech 18 at the time, and loved Jim's music, I felt compelled to write from my experiences. I am happy you liked my story. JoelRocket

[@JaneSmith0709]

I thought Maury wrote I Got A Name?

[@MrSuzuki1187]

Jim lived in Reading, PA until late in his career, then moved to San Diego, California. I was a pilot for United Airlines for 29 years 1986-2015 and had many layovers in downtown San Diego from 2000 to 2015. Ingrid opened a restaurant there (now closed) and I would routinely walk there and have dinner. I was fortunate enough to meet her there. Ingrid had decorated the walls with memorabilia from Jim's career, and I would spend time just looking at them. One that sticks out in my memory was a shadow box with the napkin that Jim used to write the lyrics to I'll Have to Say I love You in a Song on. He must have had the inspiration for the song while at a restaurant and wrote the lyrics on the only piece of paper he could find.

[@DudeTours]

When I first heard about the restaurant I was excited since I do go to San Diego occasionally, but then learned it had closed. I missed that experience. Thanks for watching.

[@keithbaker1951]

I literally cried as you read the last letter he wrote to his wife and son... God that took the wind out of me.

[@mamasbasementgaming3776]

I was born in 1978 so I've only come to know his music posthumously. "Time in a Bottle" is possibly the most haunting song I've ever heard. How many more great songs would we have if this didn't happen.

[@marymahaffey4618]

I remember jim Croce..... and his 3 main songs...bad bad Leroy brown ....time in a bottle .... operator...... loved these songs.....didn't know he died in a plane crash .......rip Jim and his friend .....😇🙏💖💖.. .. loved watching this video too....

[@davidammons1700]

Remember Jim Croce was In highschool 72 now 65 yrs .great singer damn pilot error .cut his life short rip jim

[@dabneyoffermein595]

he only had a couple good songs, you're right. still liked him half way decent. he was like Cat Stevens, just one-hit wonders with decent memorable voices. Damn tree.

[@Aint_no_senators_son]

​@dabneyoffermein595 If you think Jim was a one hit wonder you're delusional

[@richardcavallo9850]

A lot more than 3 hit songs🤔

[@forlostnfound]

I was 10 years old when Jim Croce died. I loved his music and so did my parents. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. My dad, me and my 6 year old little sister were driving to pick up my big brother from work. I was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car with my little sister on my lap. My dad flipped on the radio and a Jim Croce song was playing, but all these years later I can't remember which song it was. I remember hearing the song and feeling sad because my mom had just died days earlier and the song made me think of her. When the song ended, the announcer came on the radio and said the song was in honor of Jim Croce who had died in a plane crash the night before. I burst into tears and my dad exclaimed OH NO! and almost ran a red light. He slammed on the brakes and my little sister flew off my lap and went head first into the windshield, cracking it. We quickly pulled over and we all sat in the front seat crying. My dad thought he had seriously injured my sister (she was fine), and my sister was crying cuz she had hit her head. And I was crying because I missed my mom, and now Jim Croce was dead. As long as I live I'll never forget that day.

[@clapolla]

Your attention to detail is impeccable. Thank you for the time and effort it took to put this together for the fans - myself included.

[@DudeTours]

I appreciate you watching and the positive feedback. They do take a good bit of time, but I enjoy it. 👍

[@lelandthomosoniii4743]

Plus a little Music. Very nice TOUCH.

[@speculizer1971]

I am a few months older than AJ and have been a huge Jim Croce fan my whole life. Some of the greatest vocals and song writing of all time IMO. Just recently flew to Utah to see AJ in Park City…. He is on tour called Croce plays Croce!! It as absolutely phenomenal!

[@DanielBrown-sn9op]

I was 17 when he died. I'm a pilot and the smallest mistakes in judgement can have the most dire consequences. I'm also an African, who like American of us, was secret fan of JCs. R.I.P.

[@Harleyblake-eb1pj]

I was born and raised in Winnfield, La, about 30 miles from Natchitoches, pronounced Nakatosh. He was one of my favorite artists and at the time I was 19 years old and was working at a supermarket in Winnfield. My fiance and I had planned for two weeks to attend. We had a number of part timers who were supposed to come in after school. None of them showed up so I had to work until 8 and close up because there were not enough people to operate the store. It was too late by the time I got off so I missed his last live concert and I was heartbroken. I never forgave those guys who took off and left me stranded. They all went to the concert.

[@mikemorgan8895]

I was a giant Jim Croce fan. Although I was still in junior high. My nineteen year old son loves his music as well. What a terrible loss. Thank you for this.

[@kdsdar]

Excellent video, thanks for putting it together! Was a huge Croce fan then and still one today. Remember when I saw the report on the Today show and talking about it with friends later at school. Such a tragic and preventable accident. A unique talent taken way too soon!

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

Jim Croce did not write the song "I Got A Name". A few days after the plane crash Jim had been scheduled to be the host of the MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 5 Of the tickets to this show with Jim's name featured on the ticket sold on EBAY within the past year for about $300. Around 2009 I worked at the Pennington, NJ Post Office. I found out that Maury's family had their home in this town. I took some of my Jim Croce Gold Records and a Photo from their very last concert to their residence. Knocked on the door and was greeted by Maury's Mom. I gave her the photo as a gift. She brought me into the house and we spent about 2 hours talking. All of Maury's Gold Records were hung up in the family room....about 7 or 8 of them. She informed me that much like Ingrid she found out about Maury death when one of her neighbors called her on the phone because she had just seen the news on the TV. I was in disbelief....how could that happen. Maury's mom died a few years later in her early 90's. I will always remember that special day we spent together.

[@DudeTours]

A great story, thanks.

[@MrSuzuki1187]

I believe it was Maury's beautiful guitar work we hear in songs such as I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song, my very favorite from Jim Croce.

[@timmylee41]

Well who wrote it then??

[@dellahicks7231]

@@timmylee41 Norman Gimbel wrote the lyrics, Charles Fox wrote the music.

[@timmylee41]

@@dellahicks7231 thank you Della, I was like duh....Google it dummy lol I did, but thanks for the info

[@bigtuna7143]

"I Got a Name" is a 1973 single recorded by Jim Croce with lyrics by Norman Gimbel and music by Charles Fox. It was the first single from his album of the same title and also Croce's first posthumous single, released the day after his death in a plane crash on September 20. The song reached a peak of #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 17 weeks on the chart. It also hit #3 on the Cash Box Top 100.

[@jupitermadcat]

In 1973 I was 11 years old and Jim Croce was probably the first entertainer who passed away that I was cognizant about and Remember feeling very sad about it and shocked. What a unbelievable great songwriter and singer.

[@dmacnic]

This was really great. I've always been a Jim Croce fan, ever since I was 9 years old and bought the 45 single of Time in a Bottle. There were a lot of details about his life that you discussed in the video, which I was never aware of. Maury Muehleisen was from my town - Trenton, NJ, and my Uncle was friends with him growing up. Only 24 years old when he passed. Jim and Maury created some inspiring and intricate guitar work together. Rest in Peace

[@kristenkylemack9477]

I was fifteen when he was killed in the plane crash. He died on my Brothers Birthday! 9/20. We would listen to his music on the school bus in the morning & afternoon, it seemed one of his songs would come on right after Paul Harvey! I loved His music, his voice. It's strange over the years without even hearing one of his 🎵 songs, he just pops into my thoughts. I always think how much more music he could of made, but I am so grateful that his music, we fell in love with, lives on for us to enjoy & treasure!

[@spharion7988]

I was 12 and living in another country when I heard Jim's music first. The song was Time in a bottle...gosh, was something totally different from anything I ever heard till then. He was unique, on a class of his own. I'm a OTR semi-truck drive and Jim and I travel travel half of America every week...I drive and he sings.

[@mixter7x7]

I was 13 when he died. Elton John, Chicago, Paul Simon and Edgar Winter were on top, Croce was my favorite hands down. I was learning to play guitar and these guys were the standards for acoustic guitar players. Added - I really liked his " story telling " methods of song writing. When they were released - I bought all of his guitar tab books and essentially cut my teeth on Croce style of play. Until these facts are gathered and presented, we cannot understand how this series of events transpired. How a series of errors led to a single event. I currently work in aviation and cannot imagine why anyone would try a downwind - at night - loaded nearly full of fuel , people, bags and equipment - in this old under powered air beater. Neither can I imagine how a pilot with so much supposed experience would have tried a downwind vs a conventional headwind t/o - as it could only possibly save about 1 minute of flight time for the turn -- vs a lifetime. This should also serve as a warning to anyone - that means everyone - who thinks they can somehow deny or over ride the laws of physics and aerodynamics. Many have tried. Their names are on headstones. Aviation is unforgiving of both error and arrogance.

[@danielcorreard3746]

i remember the day i heard about the plane crash the claimed his life i was only 12 years old i still enjoy jims songs and actually got to know his mother flora before she passed away. a really terrific lady. rip jim your music was and still is the best.

[@gravitystorm61158]

I learned guitar playing along with my Croce albums back in the 70’s. Got Photographs and Memories on this phone.

[@ckrtex]

I was just a teenager when Jim Croce was killed in the airplane accident, and I remember the sadness I felt at his passing. I was a fan of his music and had several of his albums. I really didn't know the details of the of the crash until I watched your video, and I am struck by how his loss deprived the world of a much greater body of work he could have produced had he had the opportunity to live a long and fruitful life. I have a suggestion of a Dude Tour you should put together and publish. It should be about the great blues guitarist and song writer Stevie Ray Vaughn who was killed in a helicopter crash after performing at Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy Wisconsin on Aug 27, 1990. I had discovered is music while attending the University of Texas in Austin in the early 80's and was a big fan of his music. His passing hit me pretty hard at the time and like Jim Croce I wonder how much incredible music he could have produced had he lived a full life. Rest in peace Jim Croce and Rest in peace Stevie Ray Vaughn.

[@dabneyoffermein595]

they struck an ill-placed tree

[@tammiel3812]

I was born in September ‘73 and I’ve always liked James songs. Such a sad passing for his family. Thank you for ending with his son’s singing career information too. My husband and I fly a 1971 28:12 Cessna 150and I like your simulation videos.

[@jgiza8888]

Both Jim Croce and Patsy Cline died at age 30 in plane crashes. So much great music the world never got to hear...

[@tylerbuckley2092]

Rest in peace Jim you are truly missed and loved by your fans

[@dabneyoffermein595]

All because of a tree that should have never been at the end of the runway. I doubt if it was even on the plate

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

What about Maury? You don't think he's missed too, or worthy of your consideration?

[@anthonyangeli256]

I was driving home from work that night when I heard the terrible news. That plane crash was avoidable,but I guess it was Jim's time. RIP Jim. You were taken from us way too soon.

[@HarborLockRoad]

Same here, i was a boy back then, and Jim was at the top of his career, all us neighborhood kids loved him n his music. It was an awful shock to hear the news of the plane crash, probably much like my parents upon hearing of Buddy Holly's crash.

[@BrakRulesAll]

I was 16 years old and driving home from the orthodontist when I heard the news come over the radio. Hit me like a ton of bricks.

[@helmutsecke3529]

Genau mein Bruder. Brother Croce und Roberto Clemente both came to grief round about the same time als ich erinnere. 😬

[@SoCal780]

I was 10 years old at the time. I remember some of the older kids in our neighborhood talking about it. I remember “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” being played quite a bit on the radio at that time. My parents bought “Time in a Bottle” later on and that’s when I really came to appreciate his music.

[@chrisclermont456]

What a gifted songwriter!! Well done video!!

[@DudeTours]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lamberto6405]

I cried watching this. I arrived the U.S. on Aug 25th 1973 , just 10 years old. I remember hearing his music and associating it with this country... still do.

[@wiginfunky]

This video is absolutely incredible. You deserve way more views

[@DudeTours]

Thanks, I have a whole list of other videos I want to make.

[@donaldtireman]

I enjoy his music and would sing along with most of the songs. They were simple and told great stories. In 1982, while on my 1st overseas deployment, I wrote a letter to Casey Kasem's "American Top 40," dedicating "Time In A Bottle" to my young family. Later, I received a letter saying the dedication would air, but my then wife and I never heard it--however, that's not the end of the story. One of my shipmates in the shop where I worked did hear it--and when I returned to the shop, he told me about hearing it, his initial reaction and subsequent surprise. Many thanks to you for that, Carey.

[@Thekarlskorner]

Jim Croce was one of my favorite singer/songwriters and inspirations. In my ballad "Where Have All the Songmen Gone" I wrote: "What's become of Jim, and his old friend LeRoy Brown. Had anyone seen Harry's cab? It's so sad he's not around. And now young Steve, he went away, he left Arlo on the train. So Gordon won't you write a song like Early Morning Rain." On another note, my wife grew up not far from Natchitoches, so I know the area as we visited often.

[@SammyNeedsAnAlibi]

Awesome story and great presentation. I was a Freshman at Kennedy High School in Barstow, CA when he died... I cried my eyes out and was bummin' for a long time. His music resonated in me more than anyone else then and even up to now.

[@pattimessenger6214]

I remember when the plane crash happened. So very sad! About a decade later, I married a Navy man and moved to San Diego. On the news, they did a spot about Ingrid and AJ opening an eatery. I think it was a sandwich place. I wanted to support them in some small way, so I went in for lunch. Ingrid waited on me. I smiled at her. She smiled back politely. I wish them both the very best.

[@leilanirocks]

I’m a big Jim Croce fan and I enjoyed this video, particularly how you have combined it so well with various source materials and a hobby I enjoy, flight simulation in beautiful VR, very often. I have simmed this same flight myself a few times. One item that trips up many Croce historians 19:26 is the fact that Jim did not actually write his hit song I Got A Name. The song was written by the famous songwriting duo of Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox who already had several hits to their credit. It’s an easy assumption to make, as the song so perfectly chronicles Jim’s own life and relationship with his father who had recently passed. Jim could so easily have written it, but he did not. Everything about that song is pop perfection and it remains one of my favorite songs to this day. Thanks for making this cool video that is a nice tribute to Jim, Maury and those that were lost along with him on that tragic day.

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for the info and watching. I had leaned about that background of that song shortly after making the video, and it is kind of interesting how it fits Jim's writing style and story. 🎸

[@joeborrajo186]

He had so much music left to give us! Tragic, tragic, tragic story!!! Just imagine how many other classics we would have if not for this! I live about 5 minutes from where his home used to be, listen, and think of him often!!

[@arthurwarwick4964]

A friend of my recorded that last consent on his cassette recorded. He had a seat cosd to the speakers so the quality of the recording was fairly good. I had relatives in the music business and they were able to contact Croce’s family and management to get this cassette released to the public

[@janbadinski7126]

He was one of the finest guitarists ever, I miss him.

[@morales1961]

Incredible research and story telling. Great channel!!

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.

[@CoffinSupply]

Your presentation is so soothing. Thank you

[@joselsierra3474]

wow thanks for Jim’s story, I am 82 and a great fan of Jim who also graduate from Villanova I really like his music and play all his songs at least one a week. What a loss😢

[@harryjames3905]

Mike dibenedetto was my German teacher in 1979. I was a freshman in high school at West Catholic school for boys in Philadelphia. He used to tell us all kinds of stories. Used to play Jim Croce songs on an acoustic guitar sometimes in class. You could tell by the way he spoke about Jim Croce that they were close friends. He sounded exactly like Jim Croce on the guitar. One memory that I've always kept. He was a fine teacher and a decent and good man.

[@Ronin4614]

This came out much better than expected, great video. I loved Jim’s music and still have a vinyl album of Jim and Ingrid. I know the Columbus, Ms airspace from being stationed at Columbus AFB, Ms (ATC) in the early ‘80s. While there, my daughter was part of her school travel choir. They had a concert at the same Women’s Collage then known as “The W”. Knowing the story behind Jim’s last time there, my daughter did a solo of “Time In A Bottle” as I backed her up on acoustic guitar. Thanks for this great video.

[@GoldyRyun]

Beautiful singing and amazing voice , rest in heavenly peace and entertain all the angels with your beautiful voice

[@rodneybrand8521]

Everybody and i mean Everybody liked Jim's music he struggled to get where wanted to be. I remember the day it happened my brother had just bought one of his albums..my brother played it all the time..i think of the times everytime i hear Jim's music..such a tragic loss of talent..🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@nicolasgarcia7305]

Seem to me that Jim was in a race against time from the beginning. He was a poet above all things. Love your Chanel .

[@DudeTours]

Thanks, He sure did have an amazing ability to put real life into his song lyrics.

[@Ka9radio_Mobile9]

Thank You for the video. I remember the day I learned about his death over the radio, things were much simpler back then and all the news and music was over the AM Radio. I was very sad that he and his music had died, We lost some one very special that day.

[@TeamFish15]

Fantastic insight. I was 12 when he died, and was deeply saddened. R.I.P. Jim, and all who perished that day.

[@Flig_debrief]

Thank you, for creating this video.

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching. I make these for the enjoyment and I am amazed others find them interesting.

[@isabellind1292]

Thank you Dude Tours. RIP Jim Croce.🌹❤

[@TheKristinShow70]

I am proud to say that Jim Croce comes from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, and he is one of my favorite music artist ever!!

[@chrispeterson73]

Such a sad story about a talented singer/songwriter for the common man, on a mission to fulfill his obligations and get back to his family. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Growing up in the late 1960's & 70's, I remember hearing Jim's touching songs constantly on the radio. Mr. Croce had a knack for storytelling, and made the listener feel as if they were right there witnessing the things Jim sang about. Thirty years old is much too young to depart. He wrote so many memorable songs in such a short time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thank you Mr. Croce. Your songs are indelibly etched in my heart and mind. 🙂🙏✝️❤️🎶

[@TheU-hv8qj]

What a superb and novel presentation. Thanks!

[@StephenLuke]

RIP Robert N. Elliott Jr. (1915-1973) Jim Croce (1943-1973) Maury Muehleisen (1949-1973) George Stevens (1937-1973) Kenneth D. Cortese (1945-1973) and Dennis Rast (1942-1973)

[@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961]

What a great job you did producing this video! Thank you.

[@scottboelke4391]

Really good storytelling bud. Especially how you combined the sim with pics and background stories.

[@briancooper2112]

Your videos are outstanding.

[@catherinetester8365]

I cannot EVER listen to the song Operator and not cry my eyes out, 50+years 😢

[@burtontrent5121]

A very very sad day! What an awful loss for Music and a man who would be easily as well known worldwide as James Taylor. Both Jim & Maury are sadly missed. Imagine all of the other music that they could have written together. A huge thank You for doing this flight. A wonderful nostalgia trip for them. Burton Trent

[@SoCal780]

Wow! When you mentioned AJ’s birthday of September 28, 1971 that really hit home with me. As it turns out, my little brother Marc was born on that very same day!

[@gregr.9547]

I was a freshman at Northwerstern State Univ in Natchitoches the night his plane went down. I didn’t attend his concert but instead decided to have a make out session with my girlfriend at the time at the intramural field on campus. I don’t recall the exact temperature but it was cool enough to where the sounds carried very clearly. I also remember the winds were rather still that night. We were laying there and we heard a crash similar to vehicles colliding with one another but without the usual sounds of screeching brakes. We didn’t know what had happed until I drove my gf back to her dorm at Varnado Hall and that’s when we found out what we heard was Jim Croce’s plane Crash. We went out there the following day and saw the mangled carcass of the Beechcraft plane strewn through what I remember to be either oak trees or pecan trees. Very sad to hear that his son had to grow up without a father and his wife lost her best friend and husband.

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching and sharing that.

[@anjou6497]

This is so moving, your narration is great very clear with lots of interesting detail about his music pals & career. I loved his albums back then..it brings it all back . My favourite song: Time in a Bottle. Thoughts & love to his family. 👍⚘🌷⚘💜 this guy was such a sweetie. 🎸

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching.

[@jamesdozier3722]

I worked with Jim Croce’s brother over twenty years ago. They were some good times. So, if you happen to see this, give me a shout out.

[@Lee-mx5li]

Fantastic job on video.. RIP Jim and Thank You for the beautiful, heartfelt songs...

[@stevec6455]

That Twin Beech was our primary jump aircraft and Bob Elliott was our jump pilot almost every weekend in Seagoville Tx from 1971-1973. We rented the aircraft from John Roberts whose initials JR were part of the tail number. We would meet at Love Field in Dallas and fly out to the Seagoville Airport for a full weekend of jumping and having fun. Bob was a good pilot. A different kind of guy who didn't talk much, just wanted to fly. The runway at Seagoville was 2500' and gravel. With 10 jumpers on board, Bob would go full throttle all the way to the end of the runway gaining airspeed and then yank that yoke back as hard as he could to clear the fence. Pretty sure he had a heart attack on that Natchitoches take off. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hit that tree.

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching and sharing that.

[@maxwedge5683]

Wow... 10 jumpers in that 18, must have been crowded. Wonder what the weather conditions were. Wonder why Elliot chose a downwind takeoff that night. Wonder if that had anything to do with the crash...

[@1olddirtroad]

I flew out of that airfield in the early 1980's going skydiving. As we started to take off my jumpmaster told me to look down at the trees at the end of the runway. I asked him why and he said that's where Jim was killed. He was such a great musician and later we had a beer in his honor.

[@rebekkad.2092]

I am reading the book - I Got a Name. So this was very timely. Thank you.

[@DudeTours]

Ingrid's account of his life and rise to fame was an interesting read. Enjoy it.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

I remember this being announced on the Today Show. I was 13 years old and was up getting ready to go to school. What a tragic loss. We still have his great music to listen to.

[@cliffbonds1472]

New subscriber here! Great videos, keep it up! Binging your older videos today!

[@DudeTours]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Heavyd103]

I just stumbled onto your channel when I watched your story of ‘The day the music died.’ What an absolute treat. Keep up the wonderful work.

[@christopherbordelon5960]

I was born the year he died. I know where the airport is that the tragedy happened. Ive been going to Natchitoches (Knack uh tish) for over 3 years now as I do not use doctors here in Alexandria. The hospital there saved my life as I had COVID really bad. I was on a vent for 5 days and if not for the staff there I would not be here today. Jim's music lives on and its amazing. I wonder what he would say about the music today if he were still around.

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

Sadly, I was only 5 when he died. I never got to see him play or even watch him on TV, when he was still with us. I do remember thinking 'time in a bottle' may be one of the most beautiful songs I'd ever heard ('if' and 'longer' were the other 2). I also got Harry Chapin and Jim confused, until I was a bit older. All these years later, Jim, Harry, Dan fogelberg, John denver and David gates are my most favorite artists. I love them all and miss them... Thank God we still have David

[@peterbouvier340]

Thank you for a very interesting video. I played guitar since my teens in the 1970s, but just discovered Jim's songs in the last ten years, as I did with a lot of non-religious artists. I also always wanted to learn to fly so I enjoyed the aviation part. I know that it took time to put this together. I enjoyed the video and the comments. Keep up the good work.

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate the support.

[@Lone_GamerUK]

Great Tour and history re-told, always respectful and informative about a life lived and life cut short. Top job my friend.

[@ralphsanchico2452]

It's really amazing sometimes, that the story behind the person is much more interesting than their craft. You left us too soon Jim!

[@constitution_8939]

Very Respectful and Very Well Done. I learned more about Jim in this Fully Stocked video of information of less than half-an-hour than I have in my 59 years of this dream called Life. J.C. left this life in less than half my own time here but filled that short time and accomplished what would be his gift he left to us all after he'd gone. Thanks for the memories of those years Jim and Thank You Dude Tours for his Wonderfully done epitaph.

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate the support.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Nicely told and well researched. Thanks for sharing.

[@daveshondel5108]

I managed James Brown for almost 33 years. The first aircraft we had was this one! It was called a GS 18 GS for government service because it had been used in World War II and was a surplus. The airplane was very unreliable and loud and smell like oil and was just a pain in the ass so we got rid of it and Macon Georgia and it was sold to Otis Redding. we all know what happened there was a terrible accident when they were making a short final to Madison Wisconsin and crashed into the lake. We were doing 360 shows a year to coliseums and Arenas around the world and we needed an aircraft that could get the job done, We bought a Learjet 23 and and later a Learjet 24. occasionally we would go overseas and use a Grumman turbo prop gulfstream. James Brown went through several airplanes and he used to always say with one of the little jets "I can get eight days out of seven" Also when we cut Don't be a drop out!! , He encourages young hopeless 😩 black youth by saying "Now....I gotta Brand New Jet! When I Need to move...A Soul Brother Made It! Now, ain't That A Groove" BTW, Mr. Brown has finally been buried, Rest In Heavenly Peace Mr. Brown.

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for sharing that story, Sounds like you losing that aircraft was a good call. The others should have done the same. It sounds like it was a popular choice for this kind of work.

[@buckmurdock2500]

The plane Jim was riding in was built in the late '50's so it didn't see any WWII action. It was a model E-18S, known in the industry and an E-18S. Interestingly, the number N50JR was assigned to a new Beech model 60 airplane a year later. That plane ran our of gas and crashed in 2020, for those that like the supernatural aspect of jinxed n-numbers. Otis Redding's plane was a newer, H18 built in the 60's. The plane was about 5 yrs old at the time it crashed. Contrary to popular belief, the plane was not previously owned by James Brown. The Beech 18's were very popular executive transports until the mid 70's because of their large cabin size. Otis Redding's plane was flown by a very inexperienced pilot, having received a multiengine rating only 10 months earlier and having just over 100 hrs piloting time in that type plane. Most likely the pilot suffered spatial disorientation, lost control and crashed into Lake Monona. It is rumored Redding may have been in the front seat as he was learning to fly. Had he been actually controlling the plane it would truly be the blind leading the blind.

[@daveshondel5108]

@@buckmurdock2500 I did not mean to insinuate that this particular aircraft was the one that we owned and then sold to Otis Redding, obviously that would have been impossible because that particular aircraft is sitting at the bottom of the lake in Wisconsin somewhere. What I meant to say was that GS 18 was the same type we had, it is a Rotary engine Beachcraft military surplus. They were bringing them to Arizona by the hundreds also the DC 3, The GS 18 is just a big box car.

[@daveshondel5108]

@@buckmurdock2500 Our "Choke & Smoke" was never in the War, it simply was called government surplus GS , It was supposedly used in the movie "Casa Blanca" as a background. But I'm not sure. Mr. Brown ordered a brand new Learjet from the original eight that Mr. Bill Lear finished in His factory at Wichita. we did not understand how finicky a small jet was when it comes to maintenance for every hour you fly you have to budget two hours of maintenance. No problem we went back and bought another one , Learjet 24 with the heavy duty deicing kit and special vortex generators. we always have a back up playing at Bush Field in Augusta Georgia. Plus we could depend on EJA (executive jet aviation) if we ever needed them. It was not unusual at all to do five shows on Friday five shows on Saturday three shows on Sunday including a matinee all at the Apollo theater on 125th St. in Harlem. I honest to God I've never seen a human being with so much ambition and motivation and raw power as Mr. Brown. Doing five shows and one day we had to rotate musicians into the band to replace ones who were laid out, in order to keep the music fresh. that was one of the good things about having two jets in the air at one time. other Learjet entertainers that we would cross paths with in different cities were The Carpenters (TWO learjets) Frank Sinatra, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, John Denver, a band called Foghat. The mamas and the Papas, and there were a few others that I can't remember but James Brown was the first entertainer of any color to pay cash which was $1 million at that time for his plane.

[@bettyahlheitt8812]

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[@WendelltheSongwriter]

I really enjoyed this, very much as an aviator and a songwriter and as a fellow who's very first songwriting and singing mentor was Jim Croce. Very enjoyable. One problem, as a songwriter I have to point out that your description of the song I got a name is inaccurate. Jim Croce did not write that song, Gimble and Fox did, for a contract for an upcoming movie I think called the last American hero or something like that. They look for a singer and it was worked out that Jim could sing it and that's how it came about. He did not write it. As a songwriter I have to point this out. Thank you for both putting this up there and for understanding.

[@skygirlview8236]

Your videos are nicely done and very informative!!

[@DudeTours]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate the support.

[@gospos1]

Beautifully done and very sad…such lost potential…Thank you for your fine work!

[@scot60]

It’s almost been 50 years!!! I remember crying when I hear about his death.