When I was just 16 years old, I had asked my father to buy me my first guitar.  I was very much into music and singing.  I was convinced that I was someday going to make it big in the music business.  I didn't have time for guitar lessons, so I spent the next few months teaching myself to play.  I became somewhat good at it and performed a number of times at many of my high school assemblies. I had visions of making it big as a singer.  I spent the next two years "performing" for family and friends.

I was 18 when my mother approached me one day to tell me that Mike and Linda's (close friends of the family) cousin from Philadelphia was visiting.  She thought I may be interested in meeting him because he sang and played guitar.

When I arrived at Mike and Linda's, I saw a young guy sitting on the couch singing and playing guitar.  His wife was sitting beside him.  I was introduced to him and his wife. He stated that Linda had mentioned to him that I liked to sing.  We talked for a while when he asked me to get my guitar and play.  I sang a couple of songs and he said, "you know, you're very good.  Have you ever considered becoming a professional singer?" I said that it had been a dream of mine.

At the time, Jim had written a number of songs.  He and his wife had performed at various colleges around the country.  His wife was pregnant and they had decided to take some time off.

His songs were unique and he was an excellent guitarist.  His ambition was to continue to write music and perform.  He said that if he was ever fortunate enough to make it big in the music business, he would perform for a number of years, retire and just write music for other artists. He then said, Ellen, if I am ever in a position to help you, all you have to do is let me know.

By now, you've guessed that the man I met that day was Jim Croce.

Within a year, I had auditioned for a local band and became their lead singer.  We only performed at local restaurants and bars, but I was fulfilling a dream--in a way.  By that time, Jim had already begun to make a name for himself.  I remember listening to his music--seemed like it was always being played on the radio.  To my surprise, some of the songs were those that he performed for me the first day I met him!  I couldn't wait to tell the guys in the band about this new singer that I met just a year ago who was now making it big.

I never got the opportunity to see or talk to Jim again.  His life was cut short.

Six years later, my daughter was born.  We celebrated her first birthday at my mom's house.  One of the guests who came to the party was Jim's mother.  We talked briefly of Jim. She handed me a gift for my daugher.  It was a T-shirt which read "disco baby" (it was 1979).

When my kids were old enough, I told them the story about Jim Croce.  By then, Jim had already become a music legend.

I'll always remember Jim as he was that first day.  I am now 46 years old.  I still sing professionally.  I never made it big, but I thank Jim Croce for giving me the courage to fulfill my dream to become a professional singer.
Thanks, Jim, wherever you are!

Ellen DiSano