Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett: biography

Jimmy Buffett is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman. Buffett is best known for his music, which often combines elements of country, folk, and rock with a laid-back, tropical vibe. His signature song is "Margaritaville," which has become an anthem for the laid-back beach lifestyle.

Childhood and youth

Jimmy Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to James Delaney Buffett Jr. and Mary Lorraine Buffett. He grew up in Fairhope, Alabama, where he developed a love for music from an early age. As a child, Buffett showed an interest in playing the guitar and began performing in local talent shows and bars during his teenage years.

Buffett's musical influences were diverse, ranging from country and folk to rock and blues. He was particularly inspired by artists like Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, and The Beach Boys.

After completing his education at McGill Institute for Boys in 1964, Jimmy Buffett embarked on his musical journey. It was during his first year at Auburn University that he picked up the guitar, setting the stage for his future in music. While his college years took him to Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Buffett's passion for music remained unwavering.

In 1969, he earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi. Despite his academic pursuits, Buffett's love for music continued to grow, eventually leading him to pursue a full-fledged career as a singer-songwriter. His college experiences and education in history provided a solid foundation for his songwriting, allowing him to infuse his music with storytelling and depth.

After graduating from college, Buffett moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in the late 1960s to pursue a career in music. He signed a record deal with Barnaby Records and released his debut album, "Down to Earth," in 1970. However, it wasn't until the mid-1970s that Buffett gained significant commercial success with the release of his album "A1A" and the hit single "Margaritaville."

Jimmy Buffett's childhood and youth laid the foundation for his musical career and the creation of his iconic persona as the king of beach-infused tunes and tropical escapism. His upbringing in the South and his early experiences with music and sailing played a pivotal role in shaping his distinctive style and resonating with audiences worldwide.

Music career

Jimmy Buffett's music career spans several decades, characterized by his unique blend of country, folk, and rock, infused with a laid-back tropical vibe. After gaining commercial success in the mid-1970s, he went on to become an iconic figure in popular music.

One of Buffett's most recognizable songs, "Margaritaville," was released in 1977 and became a massive hit. The song's catchy melody and lyrics about escaping to a carefree beach lifestyle struck a chord with audiences and catapulted Buffett to stardom. "Margaritaville" has since become an anthem for relaxation and the pursuit of an easygoing existence.

In 2020, Jimmy Buffett delighted his fans with the release of "Songs You Don't Know by Heart," a special collection of his lesser-known songs. This album was a result of fan input and features Buffett's re-recordings of these hidden gems, accompanied by his impressive collection of notable guitars. The album allowed fans to rediscover and appreciate the depth and diversity of Buffett's musical repertoire.

During a live performance in Nashville, Tennessee on April 11, 2023, Jimmy Buffett revealed exciting news to his audience. He shared that he had recently recorded an album titled "Equal Strain on All Parts." The inspiration for the album's title came from a unique source—Buffett's own grandfather, who used the phrase to describe a nap. While the details of the album are yet to be unveiled, fans eagerly anticipate its release, curious to explore the musical journey it will take them on.

Throughout his career, Buffett released numerous albums that embraced the themes of island living, sailing, and tropical escapism. Some of his notable albums include "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" (1977), "Son of a Son of a Sailor" (1978), and "Songs You Know by Heart" (1985). He continued to produce new music regularly, with albums like "License to Chill" (2004) and "Life on the Flip Side" (2020).

Buffett's concerts, often referred to as "Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band" shows, are legendary for their festive atmosphere. Fans, known as "Parrotheads," flock to his shows wearing Hawaiian shirts and enjoying a party-like atmosphere. His live performances are known for their high energy and the audience's participation, with sing-alongs and the occasional appearance of inflatable sharks and beach balls.

Jimmy Buffett's music career has left an indelible mark on popular culture. His songs transport listeners to a tropical paradise, providing a sense of escapism and relaxation. With his unique blend of genres and his ability to capture the essence of the beach lifestyle, Buffett's music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, making him a beloved and enduring figure in the music industry.

Business ventures

Jimmy Buffett is not only known for his music but also for his successful ventures in the business world. One of his most notable business ventures is the Margaritaville brand, which has expanded beyond music and become a lifestyle empire. The Margaritaville brand includes a chain of restaurants, hotels and resorts, casinos, and even a line of alcoholic beverages. The Margaritaville restaurants, known for their tropical-themed atmosphere and signature cocktails, can be found in various locations around the world, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the laid-back Margaritaville experience.

In addition to the Margaritaville brand, Buffett has also ventured into other businesses. He has launched his own line of products, including clothing, footwear, and accessories, which embody the relaxed island style he portrays in his music. Furthermore, he has dabbled in the alcohol industry, with his own line of Margaritaville tequila and rum.

Through his diverse business ventures, Jimmy Buffett has created a brand that extends far beyond music, capturing the essence of a relaxed and carefree tropical lifestyle. His ventures have allowed fans to experience the Margaritaville lifestyle through various avenues, and his entrepreneurial spirit has contributed to his enduring success and influence.

Personal life

In his personal life, Jimmy Buffett has had a vibrant and dynamic journey. He has been married twice. His first marriage was to Margie Washichek. They married in 1969 and divorced in 1971. In 1977, he married Jane Slagsvol, and they have two daughters, Savannah Jane and Sarah Delaney. They separated in 1980-s but reconciled in 1991.

Buffett is known for his love of the ocean and sailing. He is an avid sailor and has owned several boats throughout his life, including a series of sailboats named "Euphoria." His passion for the sea is often reflected in his music, with many songs featuring nautical themes and references to sailing.

In addition to his music career, Buffett is also involved in philanthropic endeavors. He is the co-founder of the Save the Manatee Club, an organization dedicated to the protection of manatees and their habitats. He has also supported various charitable causes, including environmental conservation and disaster relief efforts.

Discography

• Down to Earth (1970)
• A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean (1973)
• Living and Dying in 3/4 Time (1974)
• A1A (1974)
• Havana Daydreamin' (1976)
• High Cumberland Jubilee (1976)
• Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977)
• Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978)
• Volcano (1979)
• Coconut Telegraph (1981)
• Somewhere over China (1982)
• One Particular Harbour (1983)
• Riddles in the Sand (1984)
• Last Mango in Paris (1985)
• Floridays (1986)
• Hot Water (1988)
• Off to See the Lizard (1989)
• Fruitcakes (1994)
• Barometer Soup (1995)
• Banana Wind (1996)
• Christmas Island (1996)
• Don't Stop the Carnival (1998)
• Beach House on the Moon (1999)
• Far Side of the World (2002)
• License to Chill (2004)
• Take the Weather with You (2006)
• Buffet Hotel (2009)
• Songs from St. Somewhere (2013)
• 'Tis the SeaSon (2016)
• Life on the Flip Side (2020)
• Songs You Don't Know by Heart (2020)
• Equal Strain on all Parts (2023)

Awards

Some of the notable awards and honors that Jimmy Buffett has received include:

• Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award (2003): Buffett was honored with this award for his unique style and contributions to country music.
• CMT Music Award for Collaborative Video of the Year (2007): He won this award for his collaboration with Alan Jackson on the song "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere."
• Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2011): Buffett was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his significant contributions to the music industry.