Jim Croce - Working at the Car Wash Blues.

Jim Croce from his performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test on Friday, 27th July 1973, with Maury Muehleisen. The shirt was a gift from Randy Newman, as Croce didn't have one. Their fee was £100.
He did 4 songs:
1. Bad, Bad Lee Roy Brown
2. Lovers Cross
3. Roller Derby Queen
4. Workin' at the Car Wash Blues
I upload this video purely for information of like minded fans, do not own copyright, nor claim any revenue from it.

[@v.e.7236]

I had the opportunity to meet Jim Croce, while driving w/ my family from L/A. to San Francisco on the I-5. He was broken down w/ the hood to his car up and my oldest sister begged my dad to stop and help - 'cause he looked cute, according to her. My dad relented and pulled over just past his car. When the guy (Jim) came from around the front of the car I recognized his face from an album cover and blurted out, "That's Jim Croce!" It took just a moment for my sisters to realize I wasn't pulling their legs, when both of them came flying out of the car, asking him for an autograph, etc., but I just wanted to sing w/ this man, as I was always a big fan of singer/song writers. Unfortunately, my dad called me to get under the car to retrieve a tool, so that never happened, but I did help my dad make a gasket for the carburetor and we got his old car running better than ever. He thanked us profusely and even shook my hand, but all I could focus on was my missed opportunity to sing w/ Jim Croce, and I cried for the next several miles. lol I became a mechanic because of that experience, wanting to help as many stranded folk as possible. I've probably helped a couple hundred folk out along the I-5 corridor, since. RIP Jim. Wish I could have sung w/ you.

[@inukshuksixtyfour1164]

Awww...beautiful story.

[@davevaebutuoy]

Great story. Of course you can still sing along with his albums every day!

[@straitjacket8689]

That is awesome!

[@barrys4922]

Fantastic story.

[@zigwald]

your Dad must have been a hellava guy to stop and help. as a semi road mechanic for 35 years, it was a adventure to say the least. i must say even though i told off Rushs road manger and met the band, i'm jealous of your adventure!

[@Lrussell6871]

I’m 17, I work at a car wash for minimum wage, and you had better believe I listen to this song every shift

[@Jessicaunarex]

Awesome.

[@shibbler3355]

Just be thankful you didnt die in a plane wreck.

[@brendamyers6320]

Over 30 + yrs ago I worked at one part of a day, when my former employer came asking me to come back to work for them w/ raise .. I always remember what it was like that one day.. Glad I returned to the former job within 1-1/2 yr I was manager of the business.. Keep trying keep working --good things come to people who keep on trying..

[@Lrussell6871]

@@brendamyers6320 oh I will. I’m 20 now and I’ve been in the navy for a year :)

[@steveeckert8396]

Hope your gone from there. I tell my kids life is a marathon not a sprint. Work hard everyday and look for what opportunities that can improve your life.

[@TheRealMusicObserver]

Maury playing those beautiful little leads and some great backing vocals. Both of these men deserve to be in the hall of fame.

[@martinpardys4766]

I agree they're both fabulous

[@samwiskee4545]

Jim Croce and Maury could entertain you better with two guitars than most entertainers with big money promoters do in today's world. thank god for putting Jim in our lives may his memory and music live on.

[@victorsevilla6579]

Without any doubt, i wish I have lived in those times, every Guy Who decided to do music was good

[@goldeneddie]

He was just too good for this damn planet. God knew that and wanted him back. I hope I make it to Heaven just to shake Jim's hand and thank him for showing me the real meaning of the words music, charisma, modesty and talent. God bless you both Mr Croce and the quiet genius Maury Muehleisen. Without you two, the music business is a jigsaw puzzle with more than just a couple of pieces gone.

[@Ricky_Evans1611]

But Jim Croce wasn't a Christian. He was Jewish, which means we'll never get to see him in heaven 🥺😭😭

[@thegoose0m1]

I think once a year, up in Heaven, they have "Jewish Day"; a day where God let's everyone get back together for 24 hours, once a year...

[@joeypadovano4858]

For the Croce fan, this is a treasure. There was no one like him, he had a style all his own.

[@jenijones8576]

joey padovano I use to search the TV guide for when he would be on. Sometimes that meant sneaking around to stay up late to watch!!! Don't regret a minute!!!

[@jfq722]

That's absolutely true.

[@gs8388]

Interesting that he and Jimmy Buffett were friends. There are those who say that after Croce's death, Buffett consciously copied Jim's songwriting and performance style. There is certainly a strong similarity, beyond the mustache...

[@McLo0ving]

He's buried in PA I'm only 40mins away before I leave for Kentucky I'm going smoke a blunt at his grave with him playing

[@juliewitt7496]

That should be an experience.

[@gregskaraokeonthemanor]

These two were incredible. Maury not only played fab lead bits behind Jim - his harmony vocals were stellar.

[@Willyumer]

Couldn't have said it better. Wish more 21 year olds like me knew of jim

[@troublemaker1145]

@@Willyumer one right here brother. Been leaning his music on guitar aswell.

[@Willyumer]

@@troublemaker1145 Thats awesome. He has the best tunes to play acoustically

[@troublemaker1145]

@@Willyumer it really is! Hopefully one day I can find somebody to play the second guitar parts and vise versa. You should give it a go and learn some of his songs someday! Neat little thing to have in your repertoire.

[@pleiadian13]

Man Jim Croce is the original. Maury is mind blowing too. God they are so magical together!

[@reneecharles2281]

Gosh that steadily depressing low down but car Wash blues just kills me I'm so in love with Jim Croce all my life my brother Peter played every single song of his as soon as it came out thank God I had a brother Peter who played guitar and it only took him 3 Days to learn a song. I was certainly blessed. We are all certainly blessed by Jim Croce. He'll zoom up to heaven and rock it that's for sure but while he was here he accomplished more than most people do in five lifetimes. Thank you Jim Croce, with love and gratitude and all your friend Renee forever

[@PostWokeWorld]

Me too, since I was 15 in total love with this man❤❤❤❤

[@ssurfcity]

We were kids, his stuff was all over the radio. Back when radio meant something.

[@rosstipler8435]

ssurfcity I agree, when radio meant something.

[@custardpie40]

did i offend you? sorry about your damn luck..now hurry along ..spongebob may be on.

[@ssurfcity]

misterdinkly You're so full of shit I don't know whether to offer you a breath mint or some toilet paper. Try sticking to a topic you actually....KNOW something about. Music surely ain't it.

[@gilflores3454]

ssurfcity miss those days...😢

[@clachaine]

Amen

[@lakecityboy55]

I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert at a small college about a year before he died. He was a great entertainer...telling stories and singing his fantastic songs. One of my favorite concert memories!

[@hudsoncaceres6820]

This version inspired me to do a cover myself. It's on my channel if you wanna check it out!

[@1234larry1]

I don’t remember the studio version ever being as smooth as this live version...wow! What talent these guys had!

[@johnnysanders854]

He looks like he's having so much fun singing this. It's hard to believe that two months later he would be gone. I can't even imagine all the amazing music he still had left in him when he was taken from this world. RIP Jim.

[@grantg60]

My favourite Jim Croce song, everything about it is superb.

[@gbarth77]

Never have 2 men sounded as full as these 2. Absolute brilliance and chemistry between Jim and Maury.

[@LindaLove-lv7lx]

Because of Jim Croce I bought my first guitar and learned how to play it...later when I had my son I taught him some chords and he now makes his living with music.

[@tonym2784]

11 people must have old soggy shoes

[@RealOGMudbone]

Anthony Monaco and work at the car wash thinking they’re a genius

[@mikemoore3050]

You would not believe how true your statement is. My brother. GOODNIGHT.

[@alexraphael6534]

Natural storyteller. As a kid in the 70's I didn't know how good this shit was! Now looking back I realize it was gold!

[@325diane]

"We got all that we can use." Still one of my favorite lines in any song! I used to jokingly sing this song when I worked for the Ninth Circuit Court in Orlando, FL. Of course, my version was called "Working at the Courthouse Blues". Jim Croce was one of a kind, and yes, a genius to my mind. Both men left us way too soon. What wonderful music they would have given us going forward. So grateful for the music they did get to share!

[@jayjones8457]

Loved it since I was a kid!!! "Now I got them steadily-depressing. low-down, mind-messing, workin'-at-the-car-wash blues..."

[@ROOKTABULA]

Maury was a monster guitarist. If only there was an invisible Sky Friend that could have made sure they lived full lives.

[@devious187]

Everyone talks about Jim and his lyrics, and rightly so, but let's not forget about Maury Muelheisen, he was a legendary guitarist and made Jim sound so much better.

[@RockfrdDrm]

A great talent that was lost FAR too soon. He was the working man's voice, and nobody did it better than he did.

[@dinkydinks]

His voice is amazing oh my god

[@tammyhodges4447]

He was a masterful storyteller, line writer and tune creator. In 50 years, I've never heard anyone like him. His talent was SO amazing.

[@mikearneson3108]

Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot are my favorite singer songwriters. The singers today pale in comparison. They all look, sing and sound the same. Take away the computer sounds, they probably sound like me singing in the shower! Don’t even get me started on rap! Jim and Gordon sang songs from the heart and are timeless. Today’s music is just whipped up commercial garbage that won’t be remembered a year from now.

[@Sojourning_]

Great song writer.miss his Music........... Jim Croce was coming in to his own when it ended, Time in a bottle. the man knew some thing was up in his soul......................

[@MrGuy-cp1gt]

Same as stevie ray vaughan , uncanny aint it.

[@ABoCStudio]

Well, I had just got out from the county prison Doin' ninety days for non-support Tried to find me an executive position But no matter how smooth I talked They wouldn't listen to the fact that I was genius The man say, „we got all that we can use" Now I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin' Working at the car wash blues Well, I should be sittin' in an air conditioned office In a swivel chair Talkin' some trash to the secretaries Sayin', „here, now mama, come on over here" Instead, I'm stuck here rubbin' these fenders with a rag And walkin' home in soggy old shoes With them steadily depressin', low down mind messin' Workin' at the car wash blues You know a man of my ability He should be smokin' on a big cigar But 'til I get myself straight I guess I'll just have to wait In my rubber suit rubbin' these cars Well, all I can do is to shake my head You might not believe that it's true For workin' at this end of Niagara Falls Is an undiscovered Howard Hughes So baby, don't expect to see me With no double martini in any high brow society news 'Cause I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin' Workin' at the car wash blues So baby, don't expect to see me With no double martini in any high brow society news 'Cause I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin' Workin' at the car wash blues Yeah, I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin' Workin' at the car wash blues

[@chicosuman]

He’s funny and sad at the same time!

[@PeteR-rr5of]

Nice. FYI the lyric is “working at this indoor Niagara falls”

[@danielhutchinson7073]

Beautiful to see two close friends play together.

[@davidhugaert8006]

[@schaff2068]

I had a dream of taking a guitar lesson from Maury. It was a great dream!

[@woodstockbuzz1570]

The first time I heard this song was the first day I had been working a a car wash. I never went back. I was young.

[@jojorobino5312]

Jim Croce had his whole style. Very signature. There will be no one who can replace him and I'm just glad we still have the music he left behind for us to enjoy forever.

[@greenhawk46338]

I miss this folk poet/singer/writer we lost him WAY too soon- R.I.P. pal and your son is carrying on in your tradition, and doing it well.

[@johnweiner]

After all these years it gets better and better and funnier and funnier and truer and truer.

[@ROCKSLIDZ]

Well said.

[@tommiegirl2441]

Who but Croce could rock that shirt... you had to love him. :)

[@peteleslie]

The shirt was given to him by Randy Newman!

[@tommiegirl2441]

+Peter Leslie And I think I saw Muehleisen wearing it later... :)

[@peteleslie]

+Tommiegirl Granlund they were just so poor back then. Sad really.

[@tommiegirl2441]

Peter Leslie Yes it was. Nobody who spent as much time on the road as Jim and Maury should have been broke.

[@jfq722]

+Peter Leslie prosperity was right around the corner.

[@christinabrueck7773]

The music today does not even come close to this. This is from 1973 and people are still listening!

[@jcpalmer6051]

He put thought into his lyrics! He didn't just throw words on the wall to see what would stick! A wordsmith !

[@kevinshannon955]

Jim Croce was great, and his music still is. The modern day me too movement would undoubtedly protest this song, but no matter. I love it anyway. Props aslo to Maury Muehlheisen for helping Jim to be so great. I wish both where still around.

[@tennesseeridgerunner5992]

Mr. Shannon, I love this song and Maury's accompaniment as well. Let me first say that I am not looking to pick a debate nor am I "trolling". I would very much like you to maybe expand a bit on why you think the "me too" movement would protest this song. I promise I am not asking you so I can pounce on your answer. I genuinely am curious as to why you feel that way about the lyrical content of "Workin' at the Car Wash Blues". I look forward to your reply.

[@nuaru100]

@@tennesseeridgerunner5992 I would like to hear from Kevin as well. It's unfortunate that so many people feel the urge to accuse people of being over sensitive when they are merely trying to stop people form hurting them. We're all aware of how things were in the past, and no one wants to erase every sign of sexism in the arts. But, we can learn from it.

[@nickmazonowicz511]

Tennessee Ridgerunner I agree. I think most people can tell the difference between sexism and a satirical attack on sexism

[@jml-rj5re]

@@tennesseeridgerunner5992 Yeah, I don't think that's it as well. This song could not be made today because there's no autotune, robo drums, or twerking. ;)

[@rdrrr]

@@tennesseeridgerunner5992 The protagonist of Car Wash Blues is supposed to be unsympathetic. He's a deadbeat who has a delusional high opinion of himself, fantasizing about how he's a genius businessman and how he'd abuse his power by harassing his secretary... if he had one. So yeah, the Me Too thing is silly. The viewpoint character was written to be a loser in 1973. Jim Croce certainly wasn't condoning that kind of behavior.

[@afvet5075]

They were Heavenly Souls here on earth. God rest your souls in Heaven, Jim, and Maury.

[@stevenmaginnis1965]

"Workin' at this end of Niagara Falls is an undiscovered Howard Hughes." My favorite Croce lyric EVER! :-)

[@That_AMC_Guy]

How about "When I get out of this prison, gon' be 45. I know I used to like to do it, but I won't remember why." from "Five Short minutes"? I'm sure Jim could've sang the phonebook and people would've loved it. Dude had talent to burn.

[@larrypellegrino8709]

Great choices! My favorite Croce line is.... "bridges are meant for burning when the people and memories they join aren't the same." BRILLIANT and devastatingly true.

[@honrevillarruz7795]

This Man should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

True, but you know what, any hall of fame that would induct madonna, the woman who gives bimbo's a bad name, doesn't deserve to be called a hall of fame, so it's okay. Those of us who loved him and Murray when know how great they were.

[@TripletDad3]

What might have been, if he hadn't died in that plane crash. He and his guitarist, Maury, we're so talented, and Croce had a way of making the mundane parts of our lives poetic.

[@bettyannstraub-ruotolo3869]

This one is one of my favorite songs he did!!!!!!

[@stephenkep7713]

Betty Ann Straub agreed

[@robmorrison1043]

MM maybe the finest acoustic player i have ever heard! His fills, phrasing and bending of notes is phenomenal. They sound like a band, not a 2 piece guitar and vocals! The skill level these 2 had is off the charts, and when you combine that with Jim's songwriting and vocals the result is something we will never hear again!

[@steveclujhawkins8063]

One of a small group of musicians who found beauty in an Ovation. Glen Campbell owned & played several. Miss Jim & Maury.

[@sherylvanwyk493]

This man was a GIFT FROM GOD!! He had so many talents!! He was one of a kind !! Love all his songs!!!

[@feadog219]

Jim Croce was the poet who expressed my sentiments and more likely my ethos about life. I have missed him every day. Godspeed Jim . . . wherever you are!

[@jennifursun3303]

mine was Just Have To Say I LOve YOU

[@PipeSmokingPop]

Watch Maury's fingering during the chorus - Amazing! This is my favorite Croce song, and this run-thru is spectacular.

[@jfq7223]

True. At least it was a single but its as good as any hit they had. My theory is that people were just too sad to appreciate\enjoy it fully.

[@waynewilson2365]

I heard this song yesterday on the radio. It's been years since I've heard this but I remembered most of lyrics as it played and I found myself singing along. Thank goodness there was no one around to hear my voice. I had to look this up on KZbin and hear it again. The one and only Jim Croce!

[@raindeerprojekt4119]

Still driving my pen,and Guitar cuz this Man Was here!!! Thank you Universe for Jimmy Croce

[@GregorLinch]

The first time heard his music I was living in finglas Eire in the late 70s. I love all music but his music is for the people and is very poetic and in touch with the everyday person. Miss him so much. Still we have a multitude of his brilliant songs to listen to Jim Croce rip. 🇮🇪💚💚

[@thesimulation9651]

How's it possible he's been gone for 46 years

[@halnoyes4371]

The greatest troubadour to ever walk the earth. Taken far too soon.

[@thinkingoutloud6741]

Jim May be gone for a while now, but his music will live on forever.

[@Truthshoes101]

Great song and artist. Who would really thumb down that? Shame on them. Be nice if FB had a thumb down that is where it would count.

[@mpmattson]

I never did learn to play chords on guitar, but playing along helped me get pretty decent at picking out harmonies. Maury was inspiring.

[@loydmcintosh3131]

Jim Croce's death was more tragic than Hendrix, Joplin, and Morrison combined. What a huge loss.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

I was a Beatle-Maniac, but I modeled my playing after Jim. Man, those two were great together. Guess God couldn't bar the thought of only have one to listen to, even for a short time.

[@ronaldhagen4890]

A REAL MUSIC LEGEND.ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.

[@williamrasp8388]

Randy Newman gave Jim that shirt! He thought he needed a new shirt to go on the t.v with!

[@stevesalisbury8206]

25 people with no taste.

[@bubbagump6934]

My favorite Jim Croce song.

[@RealOGMudbone]

Makes me happy and sad at the same time

[@Ricky_Evans1611]

I wonder how often A.J. Croce comes back to these videos on KZbin to check out his dad's work 🤔 This man was just too talented...

[@TaraLynn73189]

I agree with the comments, it sucks,he gone, however he lives through us fans.

[@johndavid8815]

All dislikes are Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus fans.

[@nadjarochen7967]

Haha yes 👍🏽😂

[@jesselost05420]

The man knew how to tell a story

[@TheHoffy59]

I have loved the music of Jim Croce for over 40 years. I didn't realize how instrumental (literally and figuratively) Maury Muehleisen was to Jim's music. How very sad.

[@4377MasterD]

His side kick was amazing guitarist … and harmony’s!! well they both were Awesome !! Love it

[@opie1956]

Jim is buried at Haym Solomon Memorial Park in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Great songs! For all of us who have lost loved ones. Life goes that fast and we will see them again that soon! Hello type in "Ron Howard Palace" listen to Opie sing "Lady"! Also type "Ron Howard cover" listen to "The Dance"!

[@gable]

Long live Mr. Croce & Mr. Muehleisen !

[@muskwa7686]

Legend 🙌 put them in the rock and roll hall of fame

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

He seemed like such a nice and down to earth super talented songwriter! Damn tragic he died so young!

[@j.b.booker7912]

Who is that other genius playing the solos and fills? Hes amazing.

[@freddieweddie3725]

Maury muehleisen

[@clydeb7713]

Jim played his last concert for $750 when he became a star, because he committed previously to the gig which he previously had to cancel. What an amazing storyteller. His legend will live for generations. Maury was also a very gifted musician. Both gone way too soon.

[@bobmoslow9554]

Very clever song! One talented dude!

[@hankman3000]

Maury is always looking at Jim with this look of regard, admiration, something. They were so in tune

[@johngullo9420]

One of my all time favorite songs

[@VictorPersico]

45 years... RIP Jim and Maury

[@therealfronzilla]

Songs about people living out there in obscuria

[@peteleslie]

@MrTombrun These songs are amazing. A complex simplicity and the chemistry between Maury and Jim is magical. The fact they sound as fresh and relevant to me today, as they did when I first heard them demonstrates how they have stood the test of time.

[@oldermusiclover]

Love his and Murys guitar tones. does anyone know what they were

[@condocord7544]

Why is that man making those big mooney eyes at Jimbo?

[@justinellison4214]

A born showman! So damn relaxed

[@pluckerster]

Remember this very well. What a genius.

[@arielgarcia9006]

Somebody tell me how in the world did Jim put this words or lyrics together this is absolute genius and he wrote a lot of songs that are good to listen to just the guitar and 2 great dudes that's with me.

[@dandylandpuffplaysminecraf8744]

At the car wash 🧽

[@adrianburnette176]

[@johnkovel2844]

Maury so unheralded and mostly forgotten... I loved his guitar work. I heard that they originally started out with aurum as the front man?

[@jimblack8027]

Maurice T. "Maury" Muehleisen, seen here with Croce, was killed along with Jim in the September 20, 1973 plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Maury was 24 and Jim was 30. RIP

[@DennisCampbell777]

Croce's the Man.

[@jurrianbreur637]

Back then, you needed a voice to make it.

[@Ed-ig7fj]

Wow, I used to have hair like the guy on the left...back in 1972. Guess the warranty expired on the hair, but I still love this song. We lost Jim way too young. --Old Guy

[@brendamyers6320]

I worked a minute { one day } at a car wash.. when my former Boss hunted me down asking me to come back to my old job--with a raise ad much better offer--you know I was Glad to leave that behind.. I eventually managed that business.. but each time I hear this--I will always recall that one horror day at the car wash...LOL..

[@bigdawgbrownsnation6895]

He Reminds Me Of Sonny Bono But Better

[@RayRift]

Best version on the internet! Thank you!

[@RescuedByMary]

Where is Croce...?? I know he's dead, O.K...? RbM

[@stevenmaginnis1965]

He's buried at Haym Solomon Cemetery in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

[@fafoosnick6839]

Who's the gentleman playing the other guitar? They both sound great!

[@ruthcallender7444]

fafoosnick6839 maury muehleisen

[@PeterFugaro]

Unfortunately he passed away on the same plane that Croce died.

[@parkfam]

I ran out and bought this album back in 1973. He was a hit and everyone was listening to his music. Operator was amazing. Then tragedy struck, and he and Maury were gone. I compare it somewhat to the death of Buddy Holly. Riding high on top of his popularity and then gone. Sad.

[@remspoon]

Jim sings with the voice of America.

[@7278612985]

rest In Peace Jim.

[@7278612985]

God, I miss my Old 300 white , Truck, and " Runnin The ROAD, Singin With Jim Jim Jim, Croche

[@misterdinkly]

Steve Shane RIP Maury as well. I think he died in the same plane crash.

[@peteleslie]

misterdinkly Yes he did.

[@MrGuitarman58]

+misterdinkly yes Maury was a great talent as well who died too young, only 24.