On a crisp October evening, October 15, 2025, A.J. Croce graced the stage of Louisville’s Brown Theatre with his “Croce Plays Croce” tour, a loving tribute to his father Jim Croce’s timeless tunes intertwined with his own soulful originals. Far from a mere nostalgia trip, this performance showcased A.J. as a virtuoso in his own right—perhaps even surpassing his legendary dad’s raw charisma with polished piano prowess and wry storytelling. Fans left humming classics while buzzing about fresh insights into the man behind the music, proving bloodlines in blues-folk run deep but talent stands alone.
The Brown Theatre: Louisville’s Grand Dame of Song
Opened in 1925 and modeled after New York’s Music Box Theatre, the Brown Theatre is a jewel in Kentucky’s cultural crown, seating about 1,400 patrons under its ornate ceilings and gilded balconies. Named for philanthropist J. Graham Brown, this historic gem has hosted luminaries like Bette Davis and countless musical icons, its acoustics cradling every note like a warm embrace. On this night, the intimate space amplified A.J.’s soft-spoken charm, though his gentle timbre occasionally strained against the room’s vastness— a minor quibble in an otherwise enveloping vibe.
A.J. Croce: From Tragedy to Triumph
Born in 1971 to folk icon Jim Croce and Ingrid Croce, A.J. faced heartbreak early: his father died in a plane crash when he was just 18 months old. At four, a rare illness left him blind, only for partial sight to return years later. Undeterred, the Philadelphia native turned to piano, honing a bluesy, jazz-inflected style that landed him gigs with giants like B.B. King and Ray Charles before he hit 21. He’s since shared stages with Willie Nelson, Earth Wind and Fire, Ry Cooder, and Leon Russell, releasing 12 albums blending heartfelt ballads and gritty grooves. Hits like “Better Day,” “Nothing from Nothing,” and “I Got a Name” (a poignant cover of his dad’s) have charted his path, but it’s his resilience—surviving a house fire and personal losses—that fuels the fire.
The Current Lineup: Intimate Powerhouse
For this tour, A.J. keeps it tight and soulful, leading with his multi-instrumental wizardry. The core ensemble includes:
- A.J. Croce – Vocals, piano, guitar (the magnetic frontman weaving stories and riffs)
- Jackie Wilson – Backing vocals (lush harmonies adding emotional depth)
- Katrice Ford – Backing vocals (silky layers elevating the anthems)
Supported by a nimble touring band on bass, drums, and keys, they craft a sound that’s expansive yet personal—perfect for Croce’s confessional style.
Almost Complete Setlist: A Blend of Legacy and Legacy-Makers
No verified setlist survives from this exact show, but here’s my notes on the setlist —a seamless mix of Jim’s hits, A.J.’s gems, and tales in between. It’s not complete, because I was taking photographs for the first few songs.
- Nothin from Nothin (Billy Preston cover)
- Speedball Tucker
- Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)
- Rollin’ On
- Give Me Back My Heart
- Roller Derby Queen
- New York Said It’s Not My Home / I Have to Say I Love You in a Song (medley)
- Request Line Open
- Tomorrow’s Gonna Be a Brighter Day
- Lazy Days in Mid-July
- Now and Then
- Don’t You Know I Had a Dream Last Night
- Walking Back to Georgia
- Turned Around (new song)
- Hey Margarita
- One Less Set of Footsteps
- Rapid Roy (The Stock Car Boy)
- Got a Way with Women / Just Got Away with Mine (duet segment)
- The Finest Wine
- Just Hung Up on You
- Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Encore:
- I Got a Name
Standouts? The medley flowed like a river of regret and redemption, while “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” roared with playful energy.
Stories That Stick: Laughter, Loss, and Legacy
A.J.’s no mere crooner—he’s a storyteller supreme, admitting mid-set, “I talk a lot,” with a grin that disarms. Kicking off with “Speedball Tucker,” he riffed on his Army days at Fort Dix as a communications specialist, climbing poles and eavesdropping on brass—eavesdropping that sparked his wanderlust. By 18, he’d hit the road with B.B. King, and Leon Russell, tales that had the crowd roaring.
His humor shone through a Covid yarn: isolated for months, he finally invited pals over, but after two hours quipping, “I was ready for them to leave.” Weaving in his third album’s ode to a Texas woman in New Orleans (“Texas Ruby?”) and a fifth-album Japanese Ray Charles jingle mishap leading to “Just Hung Up on You,” A.J. turned songs into sagas. The band’s harmonies on “The Finest Wine” and duets added sparkle, proving he’s got that Croce way with words—and women.
A Night of Pure Croce Connection
Clocking in at a breezy 105 minutes, this show was a masterclass in musical kinship, leaving fans teary-eyed at “I Got a Name” and toe-tapping through the hits. A.J. Croce isn’t riding coattails; he’s forging a trailblazing path. Catch this tour—it’s family folklore at its finest. Grade: FIVE Stars. This show was amazing!
