James Joseph Croce (January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) was an American folk and rock singer-songwriter. Between 1966 and 1973, he released five studio albums and numerous singles. During this time, Croce held a variety of jobs to support himself while continuing to write, record, and perform concerts. In the early 1970s, he formed a partnership with songwriter and guitarist Maury Muehleisen, which helped advance his career.

Croce's breakthrough came in 1972 with his third album, "You Don't Mess Around with Jim", which produced three charting singles, including "Time in a Bottle", which reached number one posthumously. His follow-up album, "Life and Times", included "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown", Croce's only number-one hit during his lifetime.

On September 20, 1973, Croce, Muehleisen, and four others died in a plane crash, one day before the release of the lead single from Croce's fifth album, "I Got a Name", during a period of significant commercial success. His music continued to chart throughout the 1970s after his death. Croce's widow and early songwriting partner, Ingrid, continued writing and recording music, and their son, A. J. Croce, became a singer-songwriter in the 1990s.

Studio albums Facets (1966) Jim & Ingrid Croce (1969) You Don't Mess Around with Jim (1972) Life and Times (1973) I Got a Name (1973)