For much of his early career, virtuoso pianist A.J. Croce, son of legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, avoided performing his father’s songs, choosing instead to establish his own artistic voice. A.J. is currently in the midst of the final tour of his celebrated “Croce Plays Croce” show. When he appears on September 15 at the incomparable Fox Tucson Theatre, he will perform a combination of his father’s hits alongside his own music.

Croce’s father died tragically in a plane crash in 1973 when he was 30, and A.J. was only 2 years old. Songs like “Time in a Bottle,” written by his father before A.J. was born, carry deep emotional significance for A.J. and have become central to his live performance. His musical heritage creates a dialogue between past and present; these performances highlight the timelessness of well-crafted songs and the personal connection between generations.

What sets A.J. apart is his refusal to be confined by expectations. While audiences are often initially drawn by his last name, they quickly discover a performer who honors tradition without being defined by it. His music channels the spirit of artists like Ray Charles, Leon Russell and Randy Newman—rich in storytelling, groove and emotional nuance, rather than merely echoing Jim Croce’s style. A.J. is passionate about all genres of music, but the bottom line is that it has soul.

Ultimately, A.J. Croce’s story is about transformation. He took a name known around the world and built something new with it, proving that influence does not have to limit creativity. Through decades of music-making, he has established himself not merely as Jim Croce’s son, but as an accomplished, skilled artist with a voice—and a vision—entirely his own.

For longtime fans of Jim Croce and newcomers alike, A.J. Croce offers a moving reminder that while time passes, great songs, and the stories behind them, still endure. He is carrying on a musical legacy while forging his own path.
We sat down for a Q&A interview with A.J. to talk about a life shaped by infinite talent, irreparable loss, and a deep love of music.

Music has always been part of your life. Did you feel destined to become a musician?
I don’t think of playing music as my destiny, but rather as more of a calling. I have never considered playing music for fame or fortune. I gravitated to it as a gift I can share to make the world a better place.

Why did you choose to settle down in Nashville?
Nashville is a collaborative place to live in as a musician. Not that I didn’t have collaboration in Los Angeles or New York City, but there’s more of a hustle in those cities.

Your father, Jim Croce, remains one of America’s most beloved songwriters. What does his music mean to you today?
The stories told in my father’s songs are incredibly universal. He makes heroes out of everyday people. That was his gift. As a child, I knew him mostly through photographs and recordings, but as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate his songwriting even more.

Please tell us what the fans at the show can expect at Croce Plays Croce?
It’s the unexpected. Every night is unique. People come for the nostalgia and my father’s songs. I also have built a body of work I’m proud of that I perform. Every night I ask for requests.

I have a skeleton of a set, but the middle is open for something different at every show, and I share stories, photographs and songs that connect my father’s music and my own journey. The band itself includes some incredibly soulful singers as well as an ensemble of incredibly talented musicians. We have as much fun or more than anyone else in the room.

How would you describe your own musical style?
Soul music—it draws from rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz, folk, pop and Latin music. I’ve never wanted to stay in one lane. I practice 4 to 5 hours every day if I’m not on tour. When I’m on tour, I practice 2 to 3 hours a day. When I’m not planning for tours, I’m composing.

What do you hope listeners take away from your performances that they might not expect?
The joy of the music. The concerts are intimate and dynamic, featuring storytelling, improvisation and a deep connection with the audience. Listeners can forget about the world for 90 minutes and just feel connected and entertained.

What keeps you inspired to keep your creativity flowing and the songwriting fresh?
I’m always finding new ways to tell a story. Regardless of the genre, it’s already been done. What’s left is the combinations of genres. That’s where I get my inspiration for original songs.

I read that you lost your eyesight for a while as a child. How did that impact your music?
I was legally blind from age four to age ten. After six years, I began to be able to see better with one eye. Being legally blind impacted me immensely. I was drawn to music and taking solace in it. During this difficult time, creating and performing music provided me with purpose and hope.

I had access to my father’s albums as well as my grandfather’s music collection and through these albums, I was introduced to the music of Ray Charles. 

Listening to him helped me to find my identity as an artist and to create my own individualistic music.

Which musicians have you performed with?
In addition to playing solo gigs at jazz clubs, I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some serious legends, including Willie Nelson, The Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Ray Charles, John Oates, Floyd Dixon and James Brown.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers about the show?
This is the last chance to hear me perform “Croce Plays Croce.” It’s a special show because I’ve discovered a way to share not only my father’s music, but also songs from my albums and the many artists that inspired us. This is a family legacy in which two generations are present through stories and music. It’s a one-of-a-kind performance, and I’m proud to be able to share it with the audience in Tucson.

Suzie Agrillo is a freelance writer in Tucson and a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. She focuses on the arts, inspirational people and the human connection. She can be reached at [email protected].