He brought us that sound….the sound of the islands, the ocean breezes, a yacht ride to escape the realities of our world. Jimmy Buffett took us to Margaritaville. Today we remember Jimmy and his unique sound after hearing of his passing. He died surrounded by his family and friends yesterday at the age of 76.
He was born on Christmas Day in 1946 and started his musical journey when he first attended Auburn University. His college days took him to Pearl River Community College and finally to the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1969 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history.
He pursued his music career going to Nashville in 1970. He and one of his song writing buddies, the iconic Jerry Jeff Walker, traveled to Florida’s Key West and the rest, as they say, is history. His focus went from country to a Calypso folk-pop which shaped his music for the rest of his life. His most memorable songs include “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” and of course “Margaritaville.”
His influence was felt throughout Country music including #1 hit songs. In 2003 Buffett joined Alan Jackson to remind us that “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” and in 2011 performed with the Zac Brown Band on the song “Knee Deep.”
Buffett’s business empire went well beyond just music. He eventually expanded to apparel, resorts, restaurants, beer, casinos, and retirement communities. How big was his business empire? In 2017 Forbes Magazine estimated that Buffett’s Margaritaville global brand had annual sales of more than $1.5 billion.
We salute Jimmy Buffett and raise a margarita in his honor. Read more about Jimmy Buffett here.
