Jimmy Buffett was a singer and songwriter known for such laid-back hits as “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
- Died: September 1, 2023 (Who else died on September 1?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, of complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma at the age of 76.
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Jimmy Buffett’s legacy
Buffett spent much of his early life in Mississippi and Alabama and initially had no major musical aspirations; he didn’t even learn guitar until he attended Auburn University. Buffett dropped out, transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, and worked as a shipyard welder. In 1969, he started busking on the streets of New Orleans before moving on to Nashville as a country musician. His first record, 1970’s “Down to Earth,” was a huge flop, failing to sell even 1,000 copies. His career seemed to be over before it started, and Buffett moved to Key West, Florida, in 1972 to live a beach life and focus on literature.
However, Buffett kept writing and recording music while in Key West, and his new lifestyle began to take center stage in his music. Each record had more success than the last, though none were major breakthroughs. Buffett didn’t become a household name until 1977, thanks to the release of “Margaritaville” from his seventh album, “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.” The record was a big hit, going to No. 2 on the country charts and No. 12 overall. It also changed the trajectory of his career. Buffett, his music, and his eventual brand increasingly centered the “island lifestyle” of lounging in the sun with cocktails, with “Margaritaville” one of the lifestyle’s biggest anthems.
A string of other hits followed, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise” (1978), “Son of a Son of a Sailor” (1978), and “Fins” (1979), among others. Buffett’s growing fandom became known as Parrotheads, largely made up of Baby Boomers with a penchant for Hawaiian shirts and partying. Meanwhile, Buffett spun his fame into a series of business ventures, including the Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant chains; the record label Margaritaville Records; casino partnerships; and retirement communities. Buffett eventually boasted a net worth of over $1 billion, making him one of the world’s wealthiest musicians.
Buffett was diagnosed with Merkel-cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, four years prior to his death, a diagnosis he kept secret from his fans. He kept performing until just months prior to his passing. All told, Buffett had nine platinum albums and sold over 20 million records overall. He was also a best-selling author and was the co-founder of the Save the Manatee Club, which lobbies to protect the endangered sea mammals. He often also performed shows to raise money for those impacted by natural disasters.
Notable quote
“Contrary to popular belief, I’m not on the beach every day with margaritas.”—from a 1982 interview in Entertainment Tonight
Tributes to Jimmy Buffett
Full obituary: Associated Press
