All the Jim-Jims in This Town

It transcends everything that separates us—class, race, geography, eating habits, facial hair. You can see it in the eyes of men who’ve been touched by its power. They preach and preach, but their mutterings of apocalyptic reckoning carry little weight, cannot be fathomed by outsiders, and you go on with your life. You may mock them for their single-mindedness, but then you might wonder: could that have been me? Could it still one day be me?

The following men turned their backs on their former lives—as a Philadelphia construction worker, as a Staten Island iron vacationer, as a Washington, D.C. policeman—so that you might hear their gospel. In 1972, despite his best efforts, the Salivating Ear finally had his own epiphany, and for many months he dedicated the 10 o’clock hour every Thursday night to spreading the news. Listen for these men, but mostly for yourself. Then look into your soul, and ask: does a Ray or Jim lurk in my life?

Jim Croce - Operator

Ghostface Killah - Never Be the Same Again

Terry Huff & Special Delivery - That's When Love Hurts