Tommy West, Producer for Jim Croce, Dead at 78 Tommy West, a music producer, songwriter and recording artist, best known for his work alongside Jim Croce, has died at the age of 78. In confirming his passing, West’s family noted that the music veteran’s death was the result of complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Jersey City, N.J., West began his musical career in 1958 as co-founder of the Criterions, a doo-wop group which also featured future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hauser. Three years later, while attending Villanova University, West recruited Croce for his latest group, a folk band called the Villanova Spires. It would be the first of several notable collaborations for the two musicians.