1973 Songs: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

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Welcome to May! And, with it, a new countdown. This time around, we’re going back to 1973. That means these songs — many of which you probably know and sing along with — are fifty years old this year. Wow! As always, the first portion is alphabetical, and my ten favorites will be at the end of the month. Let’s kick it off here. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce Yes, this song is fifty years old. That also means it’s been 50 years (come September 20) since Jim Croce died. The clip I’ve attached has Croce telling the backstory, about a guy he knew in the Army who was the inspiration for the titular character. (And he’s right: the military doesn’t take kindly to you leaving without permission, especially if you’re crazy enough to come back at the end of the month for your paycheck! ) It’s great to think that we still love this song half a century later, while it’s also sad to think of what Croce would have been writing had his life not been cut short. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown Written by Jim Croce Recorded by Jim Croce From Life and Times, 1973 A jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone: