A.J. Croce has been a staple of the Americana, AAA, Blues, Top 40 and other charts throughout his own stellar career, releasing ten studio albums that effortlessly transcend multiple genres and have had 20 songs chart in the Top 20 on various radio charts. However, the upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration of You Don’t Mess Around With Jim has prompted the most affectionate look back yet at his father’s enduring legacy. The renewed interest leading up to the celebration of the classic album (which was recorded for only $18,000 and spent an incredible 93 weeks on the charts) has inspired a special version of A.J.’s popular ‘Croce Plays Croce’ concert series, with a host of new dates scheduled for this fall.
A.J. crisscrossed the country in 2021 with this unique concert experience to sold out shows and rave reviews: ‘As a considerate tribute, Croce Plays Croce covered just about everything a fan could expect. With A.J.’s stories and sentiment, though, it was elevated beyond a mere musical homage. Instead, the evening felt more like a family reunion.’ – Live Music News & Review
The Nashville based artist is excited for the series of performances of ‘Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary You Don’t Mess Around With Jim’. The upcoming tour dates are scheduled throughout this year with the special 50th Anniversary shows beginning in the fall (more dates to be announced.) The performances promise A.J.’s unique interpretation of Jim’s iconic You Don’t Mess Around With Jim album with a full band and visual presentation of the songs, including indelible hits, “Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels’), “Time In A Bottle,” and others. The upcoming 50th Anniversary release of the album is to include other celebratory promotions by BMG, Jim’s record company, including the special reissue and accompanying commemorative events throughout the autumn of 2022.