A Farewell To Jimmy Buffett And Our Mexican Dinner
Hi, ο»ΏWA Friends!
On September 1, 2023, at the age of 76, we sadly lost a man who turned a beach lifestyle into a musical art form! I'm talking about the extraordinary Jimmy Buffett, "Mr. Margaritaville."
Let's take a moment to celebrate his life, his music, and the empire he built on the idea of eternal summer.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on Christmas Day in 1946, Jimmy Buffett came from Pascagoula, Mississippi, and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He kicked off his music career busking on the streets of New Orleans and playing in Bourbon Street clubs. His first record, "Down To Earth," came out in 1970, but it was his 1977 hit "Margaritaville" that catapulted him to fame. The song became a cultural phenomenon, earning a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame and branding Key West, Florida, as a must-visit destination.
A Life Lived Like a Song
Buffett lived his life "like a song till the very last breath," according to a statement on his official website. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, friends, music, and dogs. He had a type of lymphoma, which developed from skin cancer that was diagnosed in 2019.
The Margaritaville Empire
What started as a song about a loafer watching tourists and boiling shrimp turned into a billion-dollar brand. Buffett's Margaritaville empire includes restaurants, resorts, apparel, and even a cruise line. He ranked 18th on Forbes' list of the Richest Celebrities of All Time, with a net worth of $1 billion.
The Music That United Us
Jimmy's music wasn't just about escapism; it was about bringing people together. Presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton, along with countless fans known as "Parrotheads," have expressed their love and admiration for the man who made beach life a state of mind.
Honors and Awards
- Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016
- Two Academy of Country Music Awards
- One Country Music Association Award
Discography
Jimmy had recorded over 50 studio and live albums. Here is a basic list courtesy of Google Bard. If you have to listen to just one, I recommend "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes"(it also contains the "Margaritaville" song).
- Studio albums:
- Down to Earth (1970)
- A1A (1974)
- Living and Dying in 3/4 Time (1976)
- Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977)
- Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978)
- Volcano (1979)
- Coconut Telegraph (1981)
- Riddles in the Sand (1983)
- One Particular Harbour (1984)
- Last Mango in Paris (1985)
- Off to See the Lizard (1988)
- Caribbean Sun (1990)
- Off the Mango Beat (1996)
- Barometer Soup (2004)
- License to Chill (2004)
- High Tides and Good Times (2006)
- Songs You Know by Heart (2013)
- Life on the Flip Side (2019)
- Live albums:
- You Had to Be There (1980)
- Live by the Bay (1992)
- Buffett Live: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays (2007)
- Live in Anguilla (2011)
- Live in Auburn, WA (2013)
- Live at Fenway Park (2015)
- Live at Texas Stadium (2017)
- Live in Las Vegas, NV (2019)
- Live in Mansfield, MA (2022)
- Soundboard live albums:
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 1 (2004)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 2 (2005)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 3 (2006)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 4 (2007)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 5 (2009)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 6 (2011)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 7 (2013)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 8 (2015)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 9 (2017)
- Jimmy Buffett Soundboard Series, Volume 10 (2019)
Our Keanu Birthday Celebration and Toast to Jimmy
Yesterday, I told my wife I wanted to see a movie to celebrate Keanu Reeves's birthday and reminded her of the sad passing of Jimmy Buffett. She loved Jimmy's music and decided to make a Mexican dinner and toast Jimmy with her famous (or should I say infamous) margaritas.
After Jay's webinar, we watched John Wick II and enjoyed a Mexican feast! I forgot to take photos because I was too busy adjusting the sound of my way too complicated home theater and stuffing my face! Lol
We had a wonderful toast to Jimmy Buffett's life and music as I slowly nursed my single margarita to avoid falling asleep during the movie. Lol, the pitfalls of getting older!
Final Thoughts: A Life Well Lived
Jimmy Buffett lived life to the fullest, and his legacy will continue to bring joy to millions. He should serve as an example to us all that no matter how much work there is to be done, there's always time for a little fun!
So, as we say goodbye to this legend, let's raise a glass and toast to a life well-lived. After all, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, and the margaritas are forever flowing! π
Rock On! π€
ο»ΏFrank πΈ
70% Human-written content
Recent Comments
52
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to an amazing celebrity who was revered by people from all walks of life, His legacy will live on eternally. You captured such a great snapshot of him when you wrote " What started as a song about a loafer watching tourists and boiling shrimp turned into a billion-dollar brand. Buffett's Margaritaville empire includes restaurants, resorts, apparel, and even a cruise line.
He was listed on Forbes' Richest Celebrities of All Time, with a net worth of $1 billion." What a powerhouse. Rest in Peace Mr. Buffett. May your memory be eternal. Thank you for sharing his story and bringing us all a reminder of what true greatness is. Salute! ππΌππΌππβ€οΈ
This tribute to the great Jimmy Buffett is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that it is possible to strive for greatness and achieve it. The Margaritaville empire that he created has left an indelible mark on the world, and his impact will live on forever. His life story serves as a reminder of what we can accomplish through hard work and dedication, no matter our circumstances.
He was a man who was able to make the most of his talents and resources, and that is truly remarkable. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his music, stories, and businesses. It is a great gift to learn from him and carry it with us. May we all strive to make our own mark in this world, just as he did. Let's celebrate the life of Jimmy Buffett! Rock on!!!ππΊπΈπππΊπΈ
Cheers,
Rachele W.
p.s. Enjoy your home theater vibes and your wife's infamous margaritas.
Best of both world's.
Hi Frank! He will certainly be missed and made an impact on so many. The man, the myth, the legend. What a life well lived.
That was a lovely tributeβ¦Iβll bet your Mexican feast was delicious. Cheers to another margarita for Jimmy!
Susan πΈπ΅πΈπ
Thanks, Susan!
Yeah, I ate way too much, in true Italian fashion! Lol
I might have another margarita tonight, but I'll have to make it. The ones my wife makes taste great but are too strong for an old guy like me! Haha
I know you're having a blast in Vegas! πππΈπ΅π
Rock On! π€
Frank πΈ
Thatβs the way to go, Frank! Eat, drink and be merry as they say. One can never indulge in too much Mexican lol.
Your wife and I have something in common thenβ¦I make them too strong for my husband as well so Iβm told! Enjoy. πJimmy would be smiling.
I certainly am and itβs flying by too quickly unfortunately.
Happy Labor Day!
Rock On,
Susan ππ»ππ»πΈπ΅π
Thanks, Mike
Jimmy will be missed worldwide, but his legend and music will live on! π
Keep On Rockin', π€
Frank πΈ
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Hi Frank,
I saw this post from you coming. It showed me how little I knew about Jimmy Buuffet apart from his Margaretivville song.
When you mentioned he was involved with a cruise line I had to find out more. This was fascinating. If any of your readers wants to explore the cruise angle further here is the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaritaville_at_Sea
Sad to see Jimmy go.
Cheers.
Edwin
Thanks, Edwin.
Yeah, the Margaritaville cruise sounds good, especially for music lovers!
I plan on taking one of the Joe Bonamassa Blues Cruises someday. π
Rock On! π€
Frank πΈ
Go for it, Frank!
It's definitely on a very long "fun list," Edwin! π