Written by Associated Press on May 7, 2021 MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Tommy West, a music producer, singer and songwriter who played a role in the short-lived career of musician Jim Croce, died of complications associated with Parkinson’s disease, his family said. He was 78. West died Sunday in hospice care. Born Thomas Picardo Jr. in Jersey City, New Jersey, he developed his musical talents after his family moved to Neptune, according to his friend Mike Ragogna. “His musical career began in 1958 as co-founder of the doo-wop group, The Criterions, with childhood friend and future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hause,” Ragogna said.