How A.J. Croce connected with his father through the music they loved.

Featured on the January 20th, 2022 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:

• In 1973, A.J. Croce was only a baby when his famous father Jim died in a plane accident. A.J. went on to establish his own musical identity, playing the piano and organ and leading his own bands. Years later, he discovered the depth of how much he truly shared musically with his father. That development inspired Croce to go on the road, playing his father’s beloved songs, and the music that shaped them both. “Croce Plays Croce” is coming January 29th to the Fox Tucson Theatre. Mark talks with A.J. Croce about how it feels to fully embrace his musical legacy.

courtesy Sebastian Smith

• Tucson-based author Michelle Ross demonstrates her flair for creating the unexpected in a new short story collection called Shapeshifting, published by Stillhouse Press. Ross talks with Mark about her ability to craft characters using an economy of words. She also shares a short story about the memorable freedom of a special dinner between a mom and her toddler, called “Palate Cleanser".

courtesy Stillhouse Press

• And, the amazing true-life story of actor Hedy Lamarr revolved as much around her largely unrecognized scientific genius as her legendary Hollywood career. The new one-woman show HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr tells both stories at the same time. Mark interviews the play’s creator, star & producer Heather Massie, as she prepares to visit Arizona for three performances: The Tubac Center of the Arts in Tubac, AZ on January 28, 2022, [Willcox Theater and Arts](Wilcox https://willcox-historic-theater.square.site/product/live-on-stage-hedy-the-life-and-inventions-of-hedy-lamar-/146?cs=true&cst=custom) in Willcox, AZ on January 29, 2022 and [Community Performance and Art Center in Green Valley, AZ on January 31, 2022.

courtesy Heather Massie

Al Foote III

Arizona Spotlight airs every Thursday at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm and every Friday at 8:00 pm on NPR 89.1 FM / 1550 AM. You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, or the NPR App. See more from Arizona Spotlight.