I Got a Name: The Jim Croce Story is an unforgettable, bittersweet, and deeply personal biography of the talented songwriter that captures the rise of the burgeoning counterculture of the '60s and early '70s.
Written in the honest, clear voice of Jim Croce's widow and singing partner Ingrid Croce, along with musician and writer Jimmy Rock, the book vividly re-creates the days when young, talented musicians were not sought out by slick television shows but had to hone their craft in dive clubs and deal with the constant realities of supporting themselves in any way possible. It also shows the intimate, behind-the-scenes details of what went into becoming a "folk music" legend, as well as encounters with buddies Arlo Guthrie, Jimmy Buffet, and other troubadours.
But the heart of this tale is the ballad of Jim and Ingrid, a love story that is touching in its heartfelt innocence, even as Ingrid deals with the temptations of the touring musician's lifestyle that Jim was unable to resist. Like Jim Croce's songs, I Got a Name is a book for everyone who loves music, especially those who want to truly understand Croce's unique gifts and the magic that has caused his songs to endure for more than forty years.
Industry Reviews
Kirkus Reviews, 7/1/12 "Jim Croce's widow finally opens up about living, loving, and making music with her late pop-star husband... For almost forty years, fans curious about Jim have had to satisfy themselves with his wonderful songs, but now we have a more complete picture of the man behind the music. A deeply candid look into the life and times of a talented artist." Library Journal, 7/1/12 "Ingrid paints a loving yet honest and revealing picture of his musical career and their life together... More memoir than biography, the book is better for this intensely personal perspective... An unflinchingly personal portrait... A heartfelt, compelling read: recommended." Kingman Daily Miner, 6/17/12 "This is a well written, thought out, and moving story, which is well worth reading. A five star book, which includes many lyrics, you can hum as you read them." Bookworm Sez "Authors Ingrid Croce and Jimmy Rock give this story a deeply personal spin, with insight to the singer, his songs, and the times in which he lived. Fans--particularly those who crushed on Croce--will still enjoy this book and the memories that come with it." Portland Book Review, 7/9/12 "This passionate and revealing book is recommended to anyone who wishes to pursue a life in the music industry, or anyone involved with a person doing so." San Diego Union-Times, 7/15/12 "As heartfelt as it is sometimes wrenching, I Got a Name is both a loving homage and a no-holds-barred examination of the late Jim Croce." BackstageAxxess, 7/15/12 "The book is so well written that even persons completely unfamiliar with Croce's music (if that is possible) will still find it a wonderfully moving story." Houston Press, 7/16/12 "An insightful look at the denim-jacketed/handlebar-mustachioed man and his music...[A] book length look at Jim Croce is welcome and long overdue, and few would argue that anyone knew him better than this tome's co-author. " Buffalo News, 7/29/12 "A portrait of a man who set most responsibilities aside to devote every waking hour to his music...reads like diary entries but overall lends revealing insight into the struggle to the top and the subsequent pressure to stay there...and the machinations of the recording business, especially from an all-too-familiar cheat-the-artist standpoint, are eye-opening."
