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i am friends with his brother and just found out who he was related to , i love jim croce and his passing upsets me, great musicians need to be reconginized. great memorial from his family.
 Thursday, December 04, 2008 at 19:50 |
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I heard "I remember Mary". Makes a big impression. Such a powerful voice. And such strange but nice harmonies. He came a long way in a short time. Thanx.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 16:10 |
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I still listen to the music and wonder why no one has duplicated what they did. Maury complimented Jim's music like no one else could have done. What an amazing talent. Never forgotten. Let the music live on!
Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 18:41 |
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thank you very much for the music. goodbye maury. by the way, i just learned about you today.bought jim croce's dvd and i got curious about the the backup singer so i searched the internet and read everything about you and you touched my heart. i will buy your music. thank you maury for sharing your music.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 23:11 |
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Maury was such a talented young man. He and Jim made magic together.
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 11:13 |
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The music from Maury & Jim inspired me to make a career of the music business. I still fondly listen to their music now 35 years since I first heard them. It's timeless. Thank you for the inspiration.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 12:39 |
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I met maury at Glassboro in the dorm. He heard me playing guitar and ducked his head in to say hello. We hung out off and on for the next semester. He borrowed my amp once. We were both dating girls in the same dorm and always found ourselves dropping our girls of at the same time on the weekends. Maury, myself and our friend Guy Kern roadtripped to Boston one bored weekend. I lost touch with him as his career blossomed, but did see him a few more times and every time got a smile and enthusiastic hello. Maury had lots of enthusiam. I have other memories and they are still clear and pleasant. Goes without saying I was shocked and greatly saddened by his death.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 23:49 |
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Thanks a lot for sharing the memories of Maury, a wonderful musician, Jim Croce and Maury are probably the sound which best represents my teen years, and their songs were the motivation for me to learn English. They will always have a place in my heart.
Greetings from Santiago, Chile
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 11:19 |
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No Comments
Sunday, November 02, 2008 at 07:39 |
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What a wonderful musician!
Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 14:55 |
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The "what if" factor. That's what I cant stop thinking about, when I see Maury and Jim play together.
The world seems like a truly unfair place some days. I still love to watch those guys play. I'm nowhere near the musician Maury was but I recognize that grin when he and Jim would play. The grin says, "I am exactly where I want to be right now....doing exactly what I want to be doing"
Anybody who plays, knows that feeling, when you hit the groove and you can't help smiling. Thanks for this page. Your brother was a genius and taken from you...and the rest of us....far too soon.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 13:00 |
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What a gifted talented musician Maury was
what a wonderful song: a song i heard
ive listened to it about 20 times in a row now, trying to find out which chords he used
but really wonderful to listen to
thanks
Hansw16
The Netherlands
Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 09:26 |
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I found this site today after thinking about Maury's history. I took up guitar at an early age but it was after watching Jim and Maury on TV that I realized what a tremendous talent Maury was. Not since the Buffalo Springfield days had I heard the melodic fills that Maury brought to the music. There was always a song within the song. God bless his family members and like you I can only imagine how much more special he would have been had he lived.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 15:46 |
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How blessed the world was for having Maury an Jim in it. I still smile every time I hear I got a name. I was 13 at the time and I still remember when my 8th grade teacher told us of the accident. She loved their music too we played their albums the rest of the day.Thank you for sharing this web site with us.
Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 01:31 |
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All these years, and I still can't believe he's gone. I remember so clearly the morning I arrived to my office, and my younger sister telling me that Maury and Jim had been killed in a plane crash. My heart ached for the rest of the day as I just sat in dis-belief. I had been too young to know what it felt like to those hearing of Buddy Holley's death and how one could only feel that the magic was gone. Now I knew. But what I didn't know at the time, was how Maury and Jim would stay in my heart all my future years, and how their music would shape mine.
My love to all Maury's family, friends, and fans.
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 09:14 |
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Had Maury and Jim lived on, the entire face of music as we know it would have changed. God Bless Their families.
Sunday, October 05, 2008 at 23:04 |
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after all these years, i still get a tear in my eye when i hear maury and jim. the best ever.
Saturday, October 04, 2008 at 12:11 |
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92) Linda Bonine
lindabonine@yahoo.com
I was just a little girl when they were playing. I don't even remember how I came to know of them but I do know that I still have my album that I bought with money I earned babysitting. I only bought a few albums as a child but You Don't Mess Around With Jim was one of them. Tonight I took it out to share with my son who is a guitarist. I told him that this was one of my "favs" as a kid. Don't worry, Maury's not forgotten - not ever forgotten!
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Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 01:55
Thursday, October 02, 2008 at 13:36 |
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What a wonderful tribute to Maury. It is clear in everything that is done on this site, just how much you love and are proud of Maury. He was an incredible singer/song writer/musician. I think he must have been blessed to be part of a big supportive family.
Monday, September 22, 2008 at 14:50 |
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There's nothing that I enjoy more than playing those beautiful songs on my guitar and trying to make them sound good (they sounds much better when I am alone).
The best part is that watching Maury and Jim play is soooo easy these days with so many of their performances on YouTube. It's just two guys sitting on stage playing and singing, but I like it so much more than most things I see on a stage these days.
Thanks for giving us the music.
Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 23:55 |
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35 years, I remember sitting in the grocery store parking lot in disbelief. They are not forgotten and the music they made has stood the test of time and continues to show that it is timeless.
Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 02:08 |
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Can it really be 35 years?
Mary, their music will live forever.
Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 19:51 |
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I was feeling sad about Maury and Jim all day.
Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 16:54 |
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Dear Mary and all,
I have been thinking of Maury and Jim all day today.I have played their beautiful music as I do so often,and thought about how very much their spirits go on because of all the joy that their voices and guitar playing is still bringing us,today,exactly 35 after they passed away...and always will.
Hugs...
Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 16:38 |
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To Maury's family:
For some reason, my subconscious mind kicked in and I was playing my Jim Croce DVD and CDs this week and I was once again in awe of the chemistry between him and your brother. I never got to see them live in concert but they were two of the driving forces to get me playing the guitar. After 35 years, their music is still unmatched.
Thanks and Peace to all of you.
Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 11:36 |
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It was amazing when I had a chance to watch Maury, a great musician to work with Jim and showed his talent to everyone.
I began to learn Jim's songs when I was in high school,
I played with one of friend together, we often practice the songs like time in a bottle, I have to say I love you in a song, these dreams...We enjoyed being a part of playing the songs, especially the chords created by Jim and Maury, it was hard but super.
The next song I am planning to learn is " I got a name " 'cause I really like Maury when he started to play this song and lead all the way to the end, it is absolutely wonderful.
Thanks you.
Alex
Friday, September 19, 2008 at 16:11 |
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Bless you and your family on this upcoming aniversary.
I was only 13 in 1973 but I remember the music so well and the horrible news of the accident on the evening news.
Mury and Jims Music have never left me .
Today im a musician myself and The music that Maury helped create is a part of me and always will be.
Friday, September 19, 2008 at 05:57 |
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Mary,
I don't have words that add to the value of the screams of love and adoration that already adorn this website. Reading the stories and respect reminds me of my own family and how lucky we all were. A love that you all had and maintain, albeit in Maury's spirit. The world knows Jim Croce, and those who cared to understand knew and appreciated Maury. I believe Maury would have been as big a star as Jim, however like a man's man, Maury recognized that it was Jim's time, and that his would come. It didn't come on this earth, but I promise you, 35 years after me or 99 percent of the world pass, people won't be burning words on websites in homage, as they do Maury. Love and God Speed to your family. PS- Gingerbread is one of my favorite albums and I have it in the thickest plastic imaginable!
Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 02:35 |
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Mary—
The love that you have poured into maintaining the memory or your brother—the opportunity for family, friends, and fans as well as visitors newly introduced to the musical marvel that was Maury Muehleisen—has allowed this fantastic outpouring of admiration and tribute to your brother. The anniversary of a tragedy has the potential for merely emphasizing our loss, but I commend you and the visitors to this site for consistently remembering and praising the incredible inspiration and lasting legacy of Maury and Jim.
I may have used the double-entendré to call him "Second-String Songman," but Maury was incomparable. He will forever remain #1 with a bullet...
Sincerely, Tim McMullen
http://www.youtube.com/TimMcMullen
Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 00:55 |
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Hi, Everyone,
Thirty-five years this coming Sunday - September 20, 2008 - since Maury and Jim died in a plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It's hard to believe.
My gratitude is overflowing right now. I feel so blessed with the good fortune of unconditional friendship with people all over the world - people who have taken the time to visit this website and leave such kind messages for me and my family.
Thanks for being there for all of us!
Peace and Love,
Mary
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 17:10 |
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1973 was such a huge year in my life and I lost two iconic figures in a short time-span: Jim Croce and Bruce Lee, but as a guitarist, I KNEW, and as technology advancements have proven, the extraordinary guitar music in so many Croce songs, ie. Lover's Cross, Dreamin' Again, and many others, came from the fingers and strings of Maury Muehleisen. The loss of such a great musician, and as Ingrid Croce describes, fantastic friend and person, is not to be overshadowed by the horrible loss of Jim Croce. I will miss them both all my life, even though I never had the pleasure of meeting, or hearing them in concert, and I still listen to and play on my own guitar, though I am sure I hardly do their great music justice, their songs quite often. Thank you! Respectfully, Tim
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 10:05 |
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Mom just reminded me that tomorrow (September 16) was the last day we saw Maury alive 35 Years ago. I can't believe it's been that long since we last said goodbye. I was only 12 at the time. What a special day that was. He had so much joy and hope for his future. Maury was so happy that day to be with all of his family and friends. I can still see his face in my mind's eye smiling at all of us. I will forever cherish that day. There was so much music and laughter. My sister Mary was very pregnant with her twins who would join us only months later. We were all so skinny back then. Maury especially. He could not have weighed more that a buck 20. I remember laying underneath his grand piano that day listening to him sing and play and also listening to other music including Patti Dahlstrom's album. One song called Emotion sticks out in my mind. Today is a day that my emotions are all coming back to me of that last day. Thank you Mom for reminding me and thank you Mary for giving us this wonderful site to remember our brother every day. Thanks to all of the people who are keeping my brothers memory alive by writing in to this site. You have no idea how much it means to our family. Love to all. Robert
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Monday, September 15, 2008 at 21:21
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 21:51 |
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I have had this webpage marked since July 2005 when I found it. I don't know why it took me so long to post how much I admired Maury and his playing ability combined with his low-keyed, humble attitude displayed in the films and live albums I have listened to over the years.
I was in Law School at LSU on the morning I received the news of Jim and Maury's death. My clock radio woke me up to "Time in a Bottle" but it was just the lead in to the tragic news that Jim and his long time duet partner, Maury Muehleisen, had been killed just a few hundred miles from where I was living. I was in shock and the whole school was buzzing with the news and the rumors of what had actually happened to cause the plane to crash.
I am still saddened when I think about the loss of such a great talent so young. I guess God needed another angel in Heaven just at that time.
Doug
Saturday, September 06, 2008 at 22:28 |
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Hi Mary. Great site, keep up the good work!
BTW.... I'm a computer field tech for a medical transcription company. Last week while doing some work in the Trenton NJ area, I got the chance to visit Maury's resting place at Saint Mary's cemetery.
Friday, September 05, 2008 at 09:05 |
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As many posters on this site, I too have recently discovered Maury. I also have been a Croce fan myself, performing many of his songs for crowds along the beaches of West Florida for years. I always knew there was that other guy laying in those great licks. I am glad to have found this information about him and his life. He was another incredible talent, lost too soon. His family and friends deserve to be as proud as humanly possible of him.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008 at 15:27 |
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I have always been a huge Jim Croce fan and could just listen for hours. Everytime a saw something with Jim, there was Maury. These two men had such wonderful talents and where taken from the earth much to soon. Thank you for the website about Maury and for sharing him with us all. Many prayers and blessings.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008 at 22:05 |
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I just recently found out about maury, during my research on him, I am big Jim Croce Fan and never new who the other guitarist was, until I did some research... Really amazing I listen to Maury's songs and I love them, he is such an awesome guitarist, and I look forward to learning more about Maury, I myself play guitar and taking lessons and working on some Croce tunes and most definitely going to tackle one or more of Maury's songs from his album just reall really amazing
Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 23:57 |
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maury and jim were the best 2 man band of all times.
ive been playing guitar for 40 years even tho im only 43 years old .
i remember the duos of maury and jim and they were the greatest .
i hope GOD enjoy's them half as much as i do may GOD bless the family and personal friends of the people who was tragically takin away from us
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 01:42 |
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I think that it is great that you have got this website set up to remember one of the greatest musicians of his time, and many of my favourite recordings are of him with jim. Do you ship the cd's to the uk or should I order via amazon or something?
Friday, August 22, 2008 at 17:44 |
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I was a senior in high school in 1973 when Maury Muehleisen and Jim Croce lost their lives on that tragic evening. Jim Croce's music greatly influenced my life and I know the influence Maury had with Jim's music. Just listen to any Croce song and listen to the phenomenal finger-picking. It's Maury.
Thanks for the site - Maury needs the recognition and tribute for his contribution to his legacy as well as Jim Croce's. Together they made magic.
Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 22:15 |
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Love You Maury and your incredible music.
Friday, August 15, 2008 at 17:51 |
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Hello Mary,
we spoke to each other at the registration in front of the Martin factory recently. I saw your name and thought there might be a connections with 'Maury's Music'. But a completely different story then followed!
It was nice having spoken and met you!
As for many people I too have good memories of the music Jim and Maury. I heard their music at the time I justed started playing acoustic guitar and their songs are great examples.
One thing I still have very clear on my mind was a documentary on the Dutch television where they mixed parts of a live version of a song with the studio version. It was so cool to hear that songs flowing so smooth, you would easily forget it was editted from live and studio cuts.
Jim and Maury both left beautiful music and we have to be thankful for that.
Friday, August 15, 2008 at 03:25 |
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Mary,
I would have been thrilled to meet you at the Martin factory. I'm a UMGF member and come to the site from Mike's post.
You've heard Maury's praises before, but (honestly!) I was telling a friend at Martinfest '08 that of all the backup guitarists playing the really great guitar licks behind the stars of the 60's and 70's (like Denver, Taylor, Stevens, Chapin, Lightfoot and others), the one playing for Jim Croce was absolutely the best! But I couldn't remember his name. So it is with great reverence that I come to this site, and I'm thrilled to find it! Every time I learn a Croce song, I'm most interested in Maury's guitar part. It's great to think what he did still thrills us so much today, and will continue to do so in the future.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 20:32 |
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Hi Mary...we met and spoke at the Martin Guitar Factory...under the tent during lunch. I enjoyed spending time with you, and have "introduced" you to the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum members. Hope to see you onboard there soon.
I'm working my way through the site and enjoying it a great deal.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 20:49 |
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Thank you for the Memories and the Beautiful Music.
But for all who read this - please find your only peace - as for Jim and Maury - in Jesus Christ! Without Him we all are lost.
These incredible musicians gave us some of the most beautiful music and songs of our age - their songs will stand the test of time for all time!!
We are blessed and I praise God that we are Blessed! May Both Jim and Maury be in God's Safe-Keeping awaiting our re-uniting in His Glory. Praise Our Might Saviour! Without Him We are NOTHING!!
None Come To The Father BUT BY ME!! That is by Jesus Christ Alone. If you don't understand this - seek out someone who can help you with this - there is NO other way!!
One Way - Jesus. Seek Him. He is the Only Way!!
Thursday, August 07, 2008 at 11:51 |
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As a young boy around 8-10 I would listen to Jim Croce songs with this fantastic guitar playing and the soft wonderful folk music. At the time, I really didn’t know it was called folk music (am a Caribbean Island man) but when they would play songs like “Time in a bottle” and “Operator”, man that just moved me every time.
It would be years later that I would purchase a cassette tape with all his songs. Whenever I seen a video of Jim, I had always noticed this other guy playing the guitar along with him, but never knew until now that it was Maury Muehleisen. I didn’t even realize he was on the plane that faithful day in September.
This is the first time I have been on this site and read about Maury’s talent and untouchable guitar playing.
Sometimes the good lord sends down a few of his angels to touch the lives of many with a soft and loving touch for all to embellish our souls to.
I can tell you and everyone that they were angels sent to this world to play and write songs that will continue to lift and smooth our souls forever.
Thanks for this web site, and the introductory of your loving brother. May God continue to bless you all.
Craig Merren
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Thursday, August 07, 2008 at 03:50 |
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Just a note to pay tribute to an individual who influenced my music and though only 14 at the time of this huge loss I grieved and felt the emptiness that day!The memories of Maury sitting back quietly working the magic in Jim's songs as Jim brought his subjects to life always brings a smile and Thank You Mary for this site!
Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 20:52 |
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Dale's reminiscence perfectly captures why I wrote "Second-String Songman." Here was one of the country's finest acoustic guitar players with an incredibly unique sound, yet "nobody knew his name...it seemed like quite a shame!"
The great thing is that although his album Gingerbreadd was virtually unknown at his death, through the miracles of technology and love (aka, the loving persistence of his sister Mary) that album is again available after a thirty-six year wait (not counting the Japanese version), and the original solo demo tracks are available here for the first time. Anyone visiting this site has got to consider getting these albums. The snippets on the "songs" section show you what a beautiful and unusual voice Maury had, and what a marvelous guitar player he was—you can tell both in a few notes. Unfortunately, the brevity does not allow you to hear what a truly marvelous storyteller and songwriter he was. Jim gets all the glory in that domain, and his credit is well deserved; he wrote some great songs, but, clearly, he began writing his best work "after" he met Maury, and he was clearly influenced by Maury's musical sensibilities. You can only hear that when you hear Maury's songs in their entirety. Give them a listen. They will grow on you "like a song [you] heard one time...about [you], so much of [you]."
All the best, Tim McMullen
Friday, July 25, 2008 at 13:48 |
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I began playing the guitar in 1975 because of people like Maury, Jim Croce and James Taylor. I'll never forget when I heard of Jim Croce's death, I asked a friend, "Was his lead guitarist on the plane with him?" At that time, I did not know Maury's name, but I did know his guitar style and I absolutely loved it. I have not heard anything else like it before or since his death. And it truly makes me sad that we never got to hear more from Maury Muehleisen.
Friday, July 25, 2008 at 12:27 |
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Mary - I just checked in to see how the website was looking these days. I like the new look. The bluegreen on the home page is very soothing.
Nice touch!
Patti
Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 17:38 |
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Maury and Jim will always live in my
heart and mind. I've been playing
guitar since the age of 6 and for the
past 42 years since when I need
inspiration I listen to them I'm a
much better Guitarist and musician
because of Maury and Jim. God Bless
both families.
Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 10:40 |
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I have been playing guitar since I was 10 years old, more than 43 years ago. Upon first hearing Croce's album with Maury's amazing guitar parts I could not believe my ears. How did he get that tone? Where did this guy come from?
Recently, due to the iPod era, I was digitally loading some old tunes into computer. A couple of Croce albums were loaded...it made me listen to them again, and again, I am truly amazed.
The passage of time has not taken anything away from the genius that was Maury. Hearing all of it again, made me find this website.
God bless the Muehleisen family. Your son and brother is still missed by all of us, and to a much greater degree... all of you.
Thanks for this great tribute and I still want to know how to get that acoustic tone.
Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 09:00 |
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Maury and Jim created magic together. The world misses them both.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008 at 00:22 |
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I just discovered the website and I have enjoyed looking at all the information on it. I've always been a big fan of Jim Croce and I knew who Maury was, but really didn't know anything about Maury. I'm grateful for the chance to learn more about him.
It's hard to imagine what music these two guys could have made had they been around during the past 35 years. We have all missed a special treat that it didn't happen.
Thanks for keeping the memory and spirit of Maury (and Jim) alive for all of us to enjoy and appreciate.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 12:26 |
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Hello Friends of Maury.I was most impressed by the the style that Maury had.I guess like most of us Maury represents the man of music not the man of limelight.This quiet gentle talent has had a deep impression on me personally.In Maury's music would always be the winner,and for that I thank him.To those who knew him personally I empathise with you all.Good luck to all in life. Hugh Murray Ireland
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 15:26 |
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Thank you Maury for all the wonderful music! Rest In Peace My Friend My Brother...
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 07:10 |
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I started playing guitar in high school back in the mid 70s. One of my guitar heros was Maury Muehleisen. I loved playing acoustic 12 & 6 strings and tried to pattern some of what I did after what I heard Maury do on the radio. I still play a lot and I wish I could have met him and said thanks for making me want to be a better player. I would at least like to say thank you to his surviving family members. I miss him too. I hope you are doing well these days.
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 23:11 |
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THANKS FOR THE EMAIL. IT MEANS ALOT TO ME THAT YOU REACH OUT TO US-THE FANS. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU. BY THE WAY I JUST VISTED THE MYSPACE SITE FOR MAURY. I HOPE YOU ADD ME!! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME FOR ME.
-PAUL
Thursday, June 05, 2008 at 19:54 |
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I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE MUSIC OF JIM AND MAURY. MY FATHER PLAYED ME THESE ALBUMS AND 45S GROWING UP. THEY ARE SO A PART OF MY BEING THAT I CANT SEE MY LIFE WITHOUT THEM. I WISH THAT THEY WERE STILL HERE. I RECENTLY GOT THE DVD OF JIM AND MAURY DOING LIVE SHOWS. I WATCH IT EVERY NIGHT FULL BLAST. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND THANKS FOR MAKING MAURY A PART OF MY LIFE AND FOR BEING VERY GIVING WITH RELEASING ALL OF HIS SOLO WORKS.
Thursday, June 05, 2008 at 12:58 |
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I've always loved photographs & memories, but i never knew jim croce until my husband had a chance to get a cd featuring jim, alive... and only then did i found out he died in 1973, the year i was born. i kinda got intrigued and started to browse the net for more info bout him, how he died, and so on. the same intrigue got the best of me to also learn more about maury. and im so touched of their life stories, as well as of their friendship, that even in death, they never parted...
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 at 04:57 |
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No Comments
Monday, June 02, 2008 at 17:46 |
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Just Happened across this site, And I am glad its here, I have been road mgr. for JOHN EDDIE and his band for the last 5 years, and many places we go Maury's name has come up when I mention i'm from Trenton. I proudly state that maury is indeed from Trenton, and that in my humble opinion, he is one of the greatest accoustic guitar players I have ever heard. although I was only 6-9 years old at the height of Jim And Maury's sucess, I was very aware of them due to the fact that I had a sister who was a generation older, and her future husband was a class mate of Maury's at cathedral high school. It still boggles my mind that two inner city northeast boys likeJim And Maury composed such a beautiful array of ballads, that even today challenge the very best of any country or americana ballads ever written. The sad things of course is that tradgedy put a stop to what may have been one of the graetest runs ever by anyone in thier genre. although i can say i have pretty much evey one of thier songs committed to memory, I have to say i was while rading my sisters record collection one night way back when, when i first heard "walkin' back to Georgia" i had never heard it before, nor had i ever been to macon georgia, but in that mere two minutes and forty seconds, the way I listened to music would be changed forever, It is to me the consumate ballad of all time, i just "works" and if anything probably statrted me on my way to the career that I have today, although i was not blessed with the ability to play an intrument" i still struggle with and old second hand sixstring" i always had a good ear, and 35 years down the road, i've still heard no one better at what the do than Jim And Maury....the real reason I'm writing is that I recently noticed a Mercer county Wall off fame ayt the sovereign bank Arena...I wonder what it would take to get Maury's name on that wall?...if it's possible, i'd like to help in any way I can, please let me know...Gino
Monday, June 02, 2008 at 01:39 |
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My 14 year old son Danny saved up his yardwork money and just bought his first acoustic guitar.When he first told me he wanted to learn to play the guitar,he told me it was because,'Mom,you have been playing Jim and Maury's music since I was a baby--OF COURSE I would want to learn after hearing those guys!'
That shows what kind of legacy they have--Danny was born 20 years after that tragic plane accident.
I am continually impressed with this website,Mary.It truly honors Maury in such a beautiful way:-)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 14:18 |
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Maury passed away 3 months before I was born, but I grew up with Photographs & Memories playing throughout my childhood. Fast forward 30+ years and still memorized with the musical genius that came of the union between Jim and Maury. Tonight, I was listening to "Don't mess around with Jim" and out of the corner of my eye, saw my 4-year old dancing around singing a choppy version of the chorus. And so the music passes on to a third generation.
Godspeed, Maury and family.
Friday, May 02, 2008 at 22:07 |
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Man,today i had my birthday,with a lot of family,and now i am washing the dishich and playing Maury,and never felt so good.
Friday, May 02, 2008 at 16:53 |
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WELL, STOPPED BY AGAIN, TO VISIT WITH OLD FRIENDS...I HAVE BEEN BUSY WITH MY NEW JOB. I RELOCATED FROM ORLANDO, FL., TO CHESAPEAKE,VA.
WANTED TO SAY THANKS AGAIN MARY, FOR ANSWERING ALL MY E-MAILS. IT IS VERY TOUCHING, THAT YOU FIND TIME IN YOUR BUSY LIFE TO RESPOND. I AM SORRY I MISSED YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND WHEN YOU WERE IN TAMPA, FOR THE WEDDING.
HOPE ALL IS WELL. I STILL ABSOLUTLY LOVE THIS SITE.
MAURY'S MUSIC STILL LIVES, AND I LOVE THE TWO CDs.THANKS FOR SIGNING THEM.
BY THE WAY, INGRID SAYS HI!!
LOVE YOU GUYS.
JIM RUSSELL, SR.
CHESAPEAKE, VA.
4-19-08@8:10 PM.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 23:32 |
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Thank you for this wonderful website to remember Maury and the gift he shared with us.
I'll never forget seeing him with Jim for the 1st time in 1972 on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. I was already familiar with "You Don't Mess Around with Jim", but it wasn't until I heard his beautiful lead guitar work on "Operator" that I just stared and thought 'who is this guy?'
I went out the next day and purchased the album.
As a guitarist myself, and like many others I know who feel the same, Maury was special, and could do things that people like me only dreamed of.
Thanks again for sharing all of this with his fans.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 15:50 |
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Thank you for the wonderful music - you live on in gifts that you and Jim Croce gave to the world.
I am glad for the time you had to give to this world
Sincerely,
KRM
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 06:53 |
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man, it is such a tremendous bummer that you're not here right now. you were something very special, dude. you sure touched my heart tonight and i don't even know you except for the feeling i got when i saw you on a pbs special...maury, i hope you are at complete peace wherever you are and have some joy in knowing you are still touching hearts so long after your death. i know we would have been friends if the time had been right. you are eternally cool and everything good. rest peacefully knowing your life made an impact and deeply touched many lives.
your friend, tammi
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 22:37 |
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In a classic case of web surfing yesterday, I started out watching "Ambrosia" videos at YouTube and ended up totally immersed in the brief and wonderful lives of Jim Croce and Maury Muehleisen. Like, hours and hours and hours worth.
And when you become immersed in something, it inevitably seeps into your heart and soul, and you feel a connection to the times and the places and the people. And you ache when you discover that that amazing guitar player accompanying Jim in all those videos passed away with him on the same day in 1973. I will hear every Jim Croce song with a new ear from this day forward.
Thank you for creating such a wonderful place to visit and the privilege of meeting your brother through picture, song, and word.
Sincerely,
Clay
Jn 14:27
Monday, April 14, 2008 at 04:37 |
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Hi
Thanks for building such a great website around Maury . One of the best guitar players of the world , for that I'm sure.
What he has done on his short lifetime is amazing.
Grtz From a fan from Belgium
Friday, April 11, 2008 at 14:36 |
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dear Mary,
Congratulations on putting up a terrific website
We all remember Maury and his contributions to music
GOOD Luck
Monday, April 07, 2008 at 17:24 |
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I am amazed at the talent Maury showed at such a young age.RIP,buddy.Thank you for the music!
Saturday, April 05, 2008 at 16:50 |
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I an ashamed to say i had never heard of you and jim but now i do know and i have heard some of your music and was i impressed poetry in motion with your guitars. you may not be with us anymore but you will remain with us with your music thankyou
Saturday, April 05, 2008 at 16:12 |
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Was raised hearing Maury's guitar on Croce's tracks. Always felt a sense of safety and warmth in his music. He has inspired my own music:)
Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 13:42 |
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i'm forty years old and have been a fan of jims music for most of those years,i always marveled at the guitar work,and just recently watching youtube i found out why,an incredible musician named maury muehleisen who was content to do his thing ,that music would not have existed and the world would have been missing something without it, i'm sorry for your loss,and the music world's loss. dave c
Monday, March 24, 2008 at 23:34 |
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Dear Mary
I received the Jim Croce DVD last year and was very impressed with Maury's guitar playing. Such a gifted man.
It is only now I realised he also passed away in the plane crash with Jim in 1973.
Maury and Jim were two of the most soulful people I have ever heard and ever will hear.
Adrian Shorland
Melbourne
Australia
Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 04:17 |
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I loved Jim Croce's music and heart, but Maury's accompanyment made the music what it was. I agree it was pure Genius! He made the music and songs soar. I have been an avid fan for 35 years and will be until I die. I will be attending their concerts in heaven.
With much love, Elaine
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 12:08 |
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I often refer to my guitar playing, harmony singing , best friend as, "my Maury". I cant imagine what Maury would have become. I take a little of him with me to every gig I play.
Monday, March 10, 2008 at 13:24 |
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I remember Maury with Jim and thinking at the time how great the music was and how well they meshed. I am glad to se Maury remembered on this site.
Sunday, March 09, 2008 at 12:22 |
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It was the fall of 1972 (I believe most definitely it must have been) when I was at a concert in the round in Illinois. I saw Jim Croce and his friend, Maury, and listened as they carried me away! I was mesmerized by "Jim Croce's band" -- he would tune the guitar as he went along, knowing what was right and wrong. He kept his instrument peeled, and watched Jim constantly to assure that their music was "one voice". As Jim engaged the audience with his eyes and presence, I watched Maury a lot -- he was a driving force in that musicality. Uneducated in Music, even I recognized the power of this Musician! I recall Maury breaking strings that night, and both he and Jim would look at each other and smile knowingly, and yet, he (they) played on, and played beautifully. The evening is one that I have not forgotten. From their both wearing working man's jeans to even what the heck I wore! Maury, I believe wore more of a 'country' shirt with red appliques on his blue shirt. All this is not important, I suppose. What is important is their impact on me. I remember exactly when I heard that their plane had crashed and I inexplicably started crying and couldn't stop. They had both given me something joyful in my life at a time when things weren't all that joyful. I was riding in 1962 blue Corvette Stingray with Hollywood Pipes and it was at a stop sign downtown (our town) just at a flower shop. I remember mostly after these decades, the warmth and friendship and command these two had on the audience -- and me -- that sweet evening. Sorry for rambling. But, thank you for sharing a site to attempt to verbally lay flowers of thanksgiving upon the memory of one so very gifted and so very, very giving of himself. Mr. Muehleisen was indeed an Artist of incomparable quality and one who will not be forgotten by this one who was blessed to experience, and truly appreciate, his gift -- in my way. I know you must miss him the very most. Please know that he made a difference in my life and in my Spirit!
Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 21:12 |
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I just watched Jim Croce and Maury perform "Operator" on youtube.com. In the comments, someone asked - "who is the backup guy?" and someone answered - "Maury Muehleisen. He Was Quality." That says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2iS8XctJKo
Sunday, March 02, 2008 at 13:59 |
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I didn't mean to sign my post (below) as anon, sorry... I was just too caught up in the emotion.
Friday, February 29, 2008 at 03:47 |
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Ever since 1973, I dread Sept 2Oth. Up until that point, Maury and Jim filled my life with colors... following that date, they futher changed my life as I ventured into show business to follow my own musical career due to the emotions that their talents created in me. I'd like to believe they would have enjoyed knowing how many people they inspired to do the same. I'd like to believe they know it now.
People around me today in music... they just don't understand my feelings about them. And frankly- in a world now where anyone who can whistle is hailed as an "artist"- they never will. They'll ask me "Why do you listen to that same part over and over so much?". Because... it's perfect. It captures emotions. It makes time stand still for a moment- something even Einstein could't do.
I listen to it over and over for the same reason an artist looks at the Mona Lisa over and over.
I never knew them, such is my loss. But it's my belief that Maury and Jim lived true to the that title of artist. They created. They gave. What I wouldn't give to have been able to sit down with them and rap. About anything.
So I thank you, and thank God, for this website.. up till now, Maury had been a bit of a mystery to me with so little precious info out there about him. To know he's buried so close to where I live here in NJ... and yet is still so far away in another respect.. is an unfair paradox I think I share with countless fans.
They say it gets easier with time... but it doesn't. The hole feels deeper. The mystery of their death just as haunting. The list of "why's?" and "what if's" grows more painful each time you review it.
I suppose for some it's easiest to overlook those lists by simply putting on a record. Who could blame them? The one comfort we have is to listen to their musical creations, and for that short time at least be in their eternally young company once again...
They stamped their image on their times, shared their talents with us all too briefly.. and left the sound of their voices for a world to enjoy.
And I miss them.
Friday, February 29, 2008 at 03:45 |
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Love the music, and I to am born on January 14 so his music makes it even more
better
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:42 |
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In Remembrance Of Maury:
Today a beautiful snowflake fell unto my hand,
It was special and made me smile.
But soon it was gone from where it did
land,
But it will be thought of all the while.
Like Maury ,here only a moment but not forgotten,
He left a unique and special gift...
And for his talent we're forever grateful,
For it is an amazing,soul warming lift.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 13:39 |
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Was just watching some Croce video earlier tonight.
Jim's songs would not have been the same without Maury. Both seemed like really cool guys. The accident that took both their lives occured on my 17th birthday. They left us way too soon.
Remember the good times.
Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 02:17 |
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Just wanted to say Maury's music lives on and he was a great inspiration to me! Maury's guitar style was amazing, detailed yet simple and beautiful at the same time. I can only imagine Maury's spirit is similar to his music!
Monday, February 11, 2008 at 23:12 |
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As a classical pianist, I did not discover Maury until my fiancee introduced me to his music (with Jim Croce) 2 1/2 years ago. Maury is one of the greatest musical geniuses I have ever heard, in any style or any period of music. I NEVER tire oflistening to him,no matter how often we play his recordings. I am SO deeply touched by his guitar playing, and SO grateful to him.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 17:13 |
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I was only 12 when the tragedy happened. I have always been a fan of Jim Croce's music, but it wasn't until I saw a video of one of his performances & a closeup of Maury's guitar playing.
I was blown away watching those talented fingers bendinging those strings & giving those songs the unique "sound".
To watch Maury's fingers work those strings on songs like "One less set of footsteps" or "Working at the car wash blues" is like watching a gifted athlete or artist. It's pure magic.
To this day, I've never seen anyone equal what he could do in such a unique way. I can listen to his guitar playing for hours!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 02:14 |
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I never missed a performance Maury did at the Gold Bug in Glassboro. He really touched my heart with his spirit and his music. I have only ever seen one other performer (surpising to me, even, it was Liberace!) who had the same immense and selfless love for his audience. I still miss Maury and the people he brought together in those years of the Gold Bug.
Monday, January 28, 2008 at 14:01 |
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I've been thinking about Jim and Maury lately. I know their birthdays were recent.Man I miss those guys.What
I would have given to have been able to hang out with them and jam some.They both actually gave me guitar lessons and never even knew it.I can remember sitting out in my Dad's Lincoln Continental(he let me drive it to college) back in the 70's with my guitar - listening to Jim's music.It had a quadrophonic 8 track player
that you could separate the left and right and front and rear channels. Maury's guitar parts were in one
channel and Jim's in another. I would sit there for hours trying to figure out how to play all those great
songs! It was a very memorable time for me.They both were truly unique and super talented.
Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 15:55 |
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Thank you so much for this tribute to Maury. I attended Glassboro State College with him and miss his quiet presence. I so wish he had lived to be able to see what he would have become. He left a huge gap in the music world and was definitely a musical genius. Funny how I just bought a USB player to change over his album to a CD as I found out about this site. Thank you.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 06:17 |
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Thank you all for your guestbook messages and e-mails - for remembering Maury on the date of his birthday. Your kind thoughts are so very appreciated today and through these past years since the website has been running.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers - and wishing you all a world of
Peace and Love,
Mary
Monday, January 14, 2008 at 16:07 |
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On Maury's 59th birthday, my prayers and best wishes go out to his Family and Friends.
Monday, January 14, 2008 at 08:23 |
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I am thinking of Maury especially today,as tomorrow would have been his 59th birthday.Oh,how we all wish that fate had allowed him to be sharing birthday cake with us!But we feel the spirit of Maury through his wonderful music...it makes us smile,and that is a gift he gives to us for an eternity.
Happy Birthday,Maury!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 14:40 |
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Wow! I never realized the Maury following was so strong!
Well, I am a huge Jim Croce fan. I recently purchased Maury's home recording CD from Mary. It was an incredible experience to hear the original home recordings of "I Remember Mary" and "A Song I Heard". I knew Maury was an integral part of Jim's success, but did not realize he was such an excellent solo performer. Thank you Mary for making Maury's music and memory available to all of us!
Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 22:42 |
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It took years of wearing out their albums and tapes for me to realize it was Maury's guitar pickin' that stood out and complemented the music. Jim and Maury's unique sound and story telling is what grabbed me back in that time.
Friday, January 11, 2008 at 14:27 |
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I "met" Maury thro Jim Croce's singing, back in the early 1970's. I was a keen folk fan, defining folk as 'one person with a guitar, and a story to sing.' It feels strangely satisfying now to know the details of this other gifted musician through this website. May the world continue to be blessed by one person with a guitar, and a story to sing.
Friday, January 11, 2008 at 08:47 |
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MARY I JUST WANT TO WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WOW IT'S REALLY 2008? TIME IS FLYING...PEACE YOUR FRIEND
EDUARDO GUERRA
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 at 09:20 |
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MARY I JUST WANT TO WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WOW IT'S REALLY 2008? TIME IS FLYING...PEACE YOUR FRIEND
EDUARDO GUERRA
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 at 09:18 |
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JUST ANOTHER NOTE. MAURY'S CD'S ARE FANTASTIC!! IF YOU HAVE NOT PURCHASED THEM, PLEASE DO. YOU WILL BE CARRIED TO A WARMER TIME IN YOUR LIFE. BACK WHEN, THE MUSIC REALLY MEANT SOMETHING. WHEN YOU LISTEN TO "BEFORE THE NEVER", YOU WILL BE CARRIED TO LAZY DAYS, AND OLD LOVES. YOU WILL REMEMBER THE DAYS WHEN YOUR LOVE WAS "REAL". THERE HAS BEEN NO ONE SINCE MAURY AND JIM, WHO CAN MAKE YOU FEEL THE LOVE YOU LOST, OR FOUND, FROM YOUR PAST. THANK YOU, MAURY,AND JIM. I MISS THE OLD DAYS....
THANK YOU MARY...YOU ARE THE BEST....YOUR SITE IS HEAVEN SENT.....
PEACE AND LOVE.....JIM RUSSELL, SR.
ORLANDO, FL. 1-6-08@6:58PM......
Sunday, January 06, 2008 at 18:59 |
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Hello Mary, and family,
Took a small time away. Just stopping in to wish you and your family a GREAT New Year. I look forward to your book coming out. This site is the greatest, for a GREAT man, and his music. I just bought an acoustic guitar last Friday. {Guess who inspired me?} I will never, ever be as good as Maury, or Jim, but they are fantastic teachers. Thanks guys!
Thanks again Mary, I still play BOTH cd's all the time. Maury is a great traveling partner, while out on the Harley.
Peace and Love to You..
Your friend, Jim Russell, Sr.
Orlando, Florida.
1/4/08 @ 8:30 am.
Friday, January 04, 2008 at 08:30 |
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Today 1/1/08 has been the day that I finally discovered the name of the person behind the wonderful guitar work on Jim's music. All these years, I had thought it was Jim himself, until I saw Maury and Jim performing on a YouTube video. Just wanted to say how much I appreciate and respect Maury's talent and incredible contribution to Jim's success. Not only was his guitar work unusually spot-on proficient, but his harmony vocals were also perfect.. not overwhelming, but totally on pitch. May they both rest in peace.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 22:10 |
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Happy New Year, Mary, to you and your family and the rest of Maury's family...and to all the fans of Maury's music who have found their way to this site and its wonderful tribute and memories.
All the best in 2008.
Tim
http://www.youtube.com/TimMcMullen
Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 12:01 |
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The clock has just ticked over to 2008, so I guess I'm the first one this year to leave a post. Mary, thank you SO much for this site. I was 12 when Maury passed, but had already been playing guitar for 3 years at that point. As a guitarist, when I'd watch Jim & Maury on the Midnight Special, as great as the material was, my eyes & ears were on Maury. I did a tour of Holland in 1980 with a band & I made friends with a guy on the night of our first show there because he looked so much like Maury. We are still friends to this day. I've been a studio and stage guitarist for 25 years & Maury's influence has been there every time I had to play or record an acoustic guitar solo or accompaniment. His sense of melody and what was right for the song was so keen and strong. I am glad that his gifts are being recognized through this site and all the videos on YouTube so the younger ones can see what we've been talking about all these years. Best to you in 2008!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 01:13 |
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The clock has just ticked over to 2008, so I guess I'm the first one this year to leave a post. Mary, thank you SO much for this site. I was 12 when Maury passed, but had already been playing guitar for 3 years at that point. As a guitarist, when I'd watch Jim & Maury on the Midnight Special, as great as the material was, my eyes & ears were on Maury. I did a tour of Holland in 1980 with a band & I made friends with a guy on the night of our first show there because he looked so much like Maury. We are still friends to this day. I've been a studio and stage guitarist for 25 years & Maury's influence has been there every time I had to play or record an acoustic guitar solo or accompaniment. His sense of melody and what was right for the song was so keen and strong. I am glad that his gifts are being recognized through this site and all the videos on YouTube so the younger ones can see what we've been talking about all these years. Best to you in 2008!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 01:12 |
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If everyone could have a friend like Maury..............
Friday, December 28, 2007 at 21:35 |
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I had just turned 12 and was a big fan of Jim Croce's music when I heard the news. Recently I began seeing performance videos of Jim for the first time and saw a good looking gentleman accompanying him. I don't know how to explain it, but I connected with this man. There was something about him that touched me. It wasn't just the exceptional playing and singing, but something more. So I began searching and my search has ended here. I did not know Maury had died that same day and so I grieve once more. But at the same time I am thankful that this man obviously has touched so many others as well and I'm not alone. Thank you so much for this site to give the searchers a place to stop, read, learn, and appreciate the man who continues to touch people to this day and beyond.
Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 03:54 |
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I had immediately fallen in love with Jim C. and noticed the talent of the guitarist with him. So found out his name just for the sake of knowing it. That sad morning, I was getting ready to go to school. Sadly gone from this world, he has yet been with us always.
Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 09:20 |
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Hi Mary. The new site looks really good! I am so thankful you are keeping Maury's legacy alive and wish for you and your family a very Merry Christmas! I pray for warm, happy memories for you this season.
Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 09:52 |
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I have been picking a guitar for 35 years and I have never been able to come close to playing like Maury.I have allways loved his playing and the world lost 2 of it's greatest talents in 1973.Thank you for putting up this site.
Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 07:13 |
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I saw Maury play at the Main Point back in 1971/72. Jim backed him up at that time. His guitar playing sounded like someone playing a harpsichord. Amazing. What a gift. Hy told me about this site. Glad to see it. The Best to you all!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 19:22 |
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Maury will always RULE!!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 09:57 |
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HI Mary,
I really love the new look to your website. Kudos to Sean, too. It is so soothing and pleasing to the eye. Well, I think that it is safe to say that my 13-year-young son Tristan has begun playing bass guitar in large part due to my jamming on electric guitar here around the house, but indeed to Maury too. Through him comes all of our musical and technical inspiration!
It's been a wonderful 3 + years of friendship, Mary. Please thank your Mom for everything!
Armand
Springfield, Oregon
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 19:28 |
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Hallo all Muehleisen
Viele Grüsse aus Germany( Pforzheim) an alle Mühleisen in der Welt !!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 15:40 |
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As a guitarist for over 35 years myself,
I can't even BEGI |