Jimmy Buffett is a well-known musician and avid boater. He is the owner of the sailing yacht “Drifter,” a custom 15.24-meter Pacific Seacraft built in North Carolina1. “Margaritaville” is a famous song by Jimmy Buffett, and it has also become a brand associated with his laid-back lifestyle and business ventures, including restaurants, hotels, and merchandise4.
To boaters, Jimmy Buffett is interesting due to his love of sailing and traditional boats, particularly those designed by Nathanael Herreshoff1. He has written songs about specific boats, such as “Son of a Son of a Sailor,” which references his sailboat, the Euphoria1.
Additionally, Jimmy Buffett has visited the Pacific Northwest, as evidenced by his performances and references to the region in his songs5. Jimmy Buffett’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $1 billion, as reported by Forbes in 202314. So he was a successful businessman as well as a beloved song writer and performer.
The song “Margaritaville” was written by Jimmy Buffett in 1977. Legend has it that he came up with the concept for the song at a bar in Austin, Texas. After a night of performing, he nursed a hangover with a margarita at a Mexican restaurant, and the chorus of the song started to come to him on the way to the airport. He finished writing the song back in Key West13. Despite its light and tropical sound, the song is actually about a man feeling lost and dealing with a dissolving relationship, which is an interesting contrast to its escapist and dreamy vibe1. The song went on to define Buffett’s career and inspired a line of products and restaurants associated with the “Margaritaville” brand3.
Jimmy Buffett has written numerous songs throughout his career. Some of his well-known songs include:
- “He Went to Paris”
- “A Pirate Looks at Forty”
- “The Great Filling Station Holdup”
- “My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, and I Don’t Love Jesus”
- “Grapefruit—Juicy Fruit”
- “Gypsies in the Palace”
- “If I’m Gonna Eat Somebody (It Might As Well Be You)” (co-written with Mike Utley)
- “Happiness Alone” (co-written with Will Jennings)
These are just a few examples of the many songs written by Jimmy Buffett, showcasing his diverse musical style and lyrical talent13.
This list may not reflect recent changes. From Category:Songs written by Jimmy Buffett
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C
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- Last Mango in Paris (song)
- Lovely Cruise
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Jimmy Buffett’s songs have been covered by various artists. Some of the songs that have been covered include:
- “A Pirate Looks at Forty” covered by Kenny Chesney
- “Margaritaville” covered by Alan Jackson
- “Cheeseburger in Paradise” covered by the band Phish
- “Come Monday” covered by the Beach Boys
These covers showcase the influence of Jimmy Buffett’s music across different genres and artists15.
Jimmy Buffett has written several songs about Key West and Florida, reflecting his deep connection to these places. Some of the songs inspired by Key West include “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” and “Margaritaville.” These songs capture the essence of the island life and the unique atmosphere of Key West12.
Additionally, Buffett has also written songs that reference Florida, such as “The Great Filling Station Holdup” and “My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, and I Don’t Love Jesus.” These songs reflect his experiences and observations in the state4. “The Great Filling Station Holdup” reflects his experiences in Texas45.
“Come Monday” is a song written and recorded by Jimmy Buffett in 1974. It was inspired by his longing for his future wife, Jane Slagsvol, whom he married in 1977. The song reflects Buffett’s separation anxiety and his relief at the thought of reuniting with her. Despite its initial inspiration from a place of desperation, the song ultimately conveys a message of hope and confidence that everything will be alright. “
Jimmy Buffett’s first wife was Margie Washichek. They were married from 1969 to 1972. The marriage ended in divorce, and the reason for the divorce has not been publicly disclosed. Jimmy Buffett’s hit song “Come Monday” was released in 1974, after his marriage to Margie Washichek ended.
“Come Monday” became Buffett’s first Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #30, and remains one of his most beloved and well-known songs13. The lyrics “California has worn me quite thin” in Jimmy Buffett’s song “Come Monday” express the narrator’s emotional and physical exhaustion from being in California, longing to be reunited with a loved one.
The lyrics convey a deep longing for the loved one and a yearning for their presence, highlighting the emotional depth of the song12.
Jane Slagsvol was Jimmy Buffett’s wife for 46 years until his death on September 1, 2023. They married in 1977 and had three childrenr together: daughters Savannah Jane Buffett, a radio personality, and filmmaker Sarah Delaney, as well as an adopted son, Cameron Marley. After Jimmy Buffett’s death, Jane Slagsvol has continued to honor and promote his legacy, expressing gratitude for the support and kindness they received during his illness and after his passing. She has shared moving tributes and messages, reflecting on their life together and the impact of his music and personality.
In addition to his focus on U.S. states, Buffett’s music also encompasses a broader international scope. Buffett’s extensive travels and global influences have likely inspired songs with international themes. Jimmy Buffett owned and flew a Dassault Falcon 900 private jet. Additionally, he has owned various planes over the years, including a Lake Renegade seaplane and four planes registered under “Strange Bird Inc” based out of Wilmington, Delaware.
Overall, Jimmy Buffett’s music reflects a rich tapestry of geographical inspirations, from the tropical havens of Key West to the diverse landscapes of the United States and beyond45.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand includes hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. The brand is named after his hit song “Margaritaville” and is owned by Margaritaville Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Cheeseburger Holding Company, LLC3. The Margaritaville-inspired hotels are located in various places, including Southwest Florida4.
The term “Parrot Heads” refers to Jimmy Buffett’s loyal fan base. They are known for their enthusiastic support of Buffett’s music and the tropical lifestyle he promotes. The name “Parrot Heads” is derived from Buffett’s association with tropical themes, particularly the imagery of parrots, which is a recurring motif in his music and branding1.
Jimmy Buffett has made appearances in several movies and television shows throughout his career. Some of the notable ones include:
- Rancho Deluxe (1975): A film in which Buffett appeared.
- Repo Man (1984): Buffett had a role in this film.
- Hook (1991): He made a cameo appearance in this movie.
- Congo (1995): Buffett appeared in this film.
- Hoot (2006): Buffett had a role in this film, which was directed by Wil Shriner and based on the book by Carl Hiaasen.. The movie focused on issues important to Buffett, such as conservation3.
- Jurassic World (2015): He made a cameo appearance in this movie.
- The Beach Bum (2019): Buffett appeared as himself in this film.
Additionally, Buffett had a recurring role as Frank Bama in the television series “Hawaii Five-0” and made a guest appearance as Dickie Delaney/Jimmy Buffett in “Blue Bloods”125. The following are also noteworthy
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1981): Jimmy Buffett performed “Margaritaville” and “Stars Fell On Alabama” on the show1.
- “Parrot Heads – The Essential Jimmy Buffet Documentary”: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the world of “Parrot Heads,” the loyal fan base of Jimmy Buffett5.
- “Cuba and Hemingway: A Sea Story.” The film project took Buffett to Cuba with Jack and Margaux Hemingway1. The documentary explores the life of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba and his love for the sea, reflecting the shared passion for the ocean and adventure that both Buffett and Hemingway embodied.
While Buffett is known for his songs about pirates and the tropical lifestyle, such as “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and “Margaritaville,” he has not written a song specifically about parrots. However, the imagery of parrots is closely associated with his brand and the laid-back, island-inspired ethos that he embodies2.
The album “Songs You Know by Heart” was not the first album to feature parrots. Jimmy Buffett has incorporated parrots into the covers of several of his albums. One example is the cover of his album “A1A,” which features a parrot perched on a road sign. Additionally, the cover of the album “Fruitcakes” also includes a parrot. These playful and tropical images reflect Buffett’s association with the Margaritaville lifestyle and his love for the coastal environment and wildlife.
For tax-paying purposes, Jimmy Buffett’s residence was in various locations, including Palm Beach, Florida, and Sag Harbor, New York1.
Corona and Jimmy worked so well because it’s real, and we didn’t need to sell either one. We basically said that if you decide to do your own beer, you’re on your own. He then signed an agreement with Budweiser to develop a brand called Landshark, and we went our separate ways.
Find Your Branding Beach: How Corona Won with Strategic Partnerships
Jimmy Buffett’s association with Corona Beer began in 1984 when he expressed interest in having Corona as his sponsor, recognizing the alignment between the brand and his own image of fun, sun, and beach. This partnership lasted for about 20 years, during which Corona incorporated the Margaritaville beach lifestyle aesthetic into its ads, and Buffett’s fans, known as Parrotheads, showed a strong preference for Corona at his shows. However, in 2007, Buffett was signed by Anheuser-Busch to develop the brand of LandShark Lager, leading to his departure from the Corona partnership134.
Therefore, based on the available information, his notable involvements in the beer industry include his partnerships with Corona and LandShark Lager.
Jimmy Buffett, the legendary songwriter who tapped into his 1970s Key West experience to create his own genre of laid-back island rock and roll and build a fortune with his “Margaritaville” brand, passed away Friday night at age 76, “surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” his representatives posted on his website and official social media pages.
“He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many,” the post said.
Buffett had been struggling for four years with Merkel cell skin cancer,according to the obituary on the singer’s website.
JIMMY BUFFETT, WHO CAPTURED KEY WEST IN HIS SONGS, PASSES AWAY AT 76
Buffett worked his way from playing bars in Key West to arena tours over a career that spanned more than 50 years. He has more than 350 songs to his credit.
Buffett was also an advocate for protecting the Everglades and Florida’s waterways, and served as a board member of the Everglades Foundation.
“His talent and adoration for the Everglades and Florida’s way of life will remain unmatched,” the foundation said in a statement Saturday. “Our thoughts are with the Buffett family, and we will continue to focus on restoring the flow of clean freshwater through the Everglades and into Florida Bay as Jimmy so deeply valued.”
JIMMY BUFFETT, WHO CAPTURED KEYh WEST IN HIS SONGS, PASSES AWAY AT 76
Jimmy Buffett served as a board member of the Everglades Foundation since 2005. His contributions to the foundation’s mission to restore and protect America’s Everglades have been significant.
Buffett’s advocacy for protecting the Everglades and Florida’s waterways and his involvement with the foundation reflects his commitment to environmental conservation and restoration efforts in the region. The foundation’s board also includes individuals such as Jack Nicklaus, Mary L. Barley, Diana Barrett, Ph.D., Barbara Whitney Carr, Thomas N. Davidson Sr., and Joseph Z. Duke III125.
The song “Lovely Cruise” by Jimmy Buffett is a farewell song that reflects on appreciating and cherishing important moments in life. It conveys a sense of freedom and spontaneity, as well as a willingness to endure discomfort in order to fully appreciate the experience. The lyrics suggest that the singer is on a journey or adventure, represented by the image of a cruise. The song emphasizes the significance of shared experiences and the bittersweet beauty of endings, urging listeners to remember and hold onto the moments they have enjoyed. “Lovely Cruise” has become a timeless classic, representing the ultimate vacation song and a celebration of the simple pleasures of life12.
Eulogy
The world has bid farewell to a true legend, Jimmy Buffett, whose life embodied the spirit of a “Lovely Cruise.” From the sun-drenched beaches to the open seas, Jimmy’s journey was a celebration of the simple pleasures and the freedom to live life on his own terms. His Margaritaville lifestyle, immortalized in his songs and business ventures, captured the hearts of millions and will forever be a testament to his enduring legacy.
Jimmy’s love for the sea and the skies was reflected in the boats and planes he cherished. Whether it was sailing on his beloved “Euphoria” or taking to the skies in his seaplane, Jimmy found solace and joy in the embrace of nature. His passion for the ocean and the adventures it held was a recurring theme in his music, inspiring countless others to seek their own “Lovely Cruise” in life.
As a board member of the Everglades Foundation, Jimmy’s commitment to environmental conservation and the preservation of natural wonders like the Everglades was unwavering. His influence extended far beyond the stage, as he used his voice to advocate for the protection of Florida’s waterways and the restoration of the Everglades, leaving an indelible mark on the world he so dearly loved.
Though our cruises with Jimmy have ended, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were touched by his music, his generosity, and his zest for life. As we raise a glass and bid him farewell, let us remember that his “Lovely Cruise” was not just a journey’s end, but a timeless celebration of the fleeting joys of life and a reminder to savor every moment.
Fins Up Forever, Jimmy. Your “Lovely Cruise” will inspire generations to come.1
Retrieved from https://www.margaritaville.com/jimmy-legacy[2] Retrieved from https://www.songtell.com/jimmy-buffett/lovely-cruise[3] Retrieved from https://daft.fm/songs/jimmy-buffett-lovely-cruise/
4 Retrieved from https://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2023/09/02/jimmy-buffett-lives-on-through-two-margaritaville-themed-hotels-in-swfl/70749989007/
5 Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2023/04/03/beach-bum-billionaire-how-jimmy-buffett-went-from-margaritaville-to-easy-street/
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