A. J. Croce

Adrian James "A.J." Croce (born September 28, 1971 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania) is an American singer-songwriter. He is the son of singer-songwriters Jim Croce and Ingrid Croce.

Early life and family

Shortly before his father's death in a 1973 plane crash, Croce's family moved west to San Diego, California, where he was raised by his mother, Ingrid Croce.

At the age of four Croce was completely blinded as the result of serious physical abuse by his mother's boyfriend. Between the ages of four and ten, Croce gradually regained vision in his left eye. It was during this difficult time in Croce's life that he began to play the piano. "I learned to play music by listening and playing along to the radio and to records..." Croce says, "At some point I was given the music of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder as inspiration, which it was, and has been ever since."

Croce's first paying gig was at the age of 12, when he was paid $20 to perform at a Bar Mitzvah party. By the age of 16, Croce was performing regularly at San Diego nightclubs as a sideman and band leader. Croce reflected, "I was into every kind of music... you might say I was unfocused, but I consider an eclectic taste in music to be the foundation of versatility." His house burned down when he was 15.

A. J. Croce (album)

A. J. Croce is the self-titled debut album by American singer-songwriter A. J. Croce, released in 1993.

Track listing

All songs written by A.J. Croce, except where noted

Personnel