Jimmy Buffett: Remembering the Parrothead Pioneer

Jimmy Buffett, ‘Margaritaville’ Singer, Dies at 76

By Chris Morris

Sep 2, 2023 12:23am PT

Jimmy Buffett, the iconic singer-songwriter known for his laid-back, good-humored, and often tropically-themed music, has passed away at the age of 76. Buffett, whose hit song “Margaritaville” became an anthem for relaxation and beachside living, died on September 1st. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

A Legacy of Tropical Good-Time Music

While Buffett’s career spanned 50 years, he only achieved one top-10 pop hit with “Margaritaville.” However, his unique brand of boozy, punny, and often marijuana-scented music resonated with a dedicated fan base, affectionately known as “parrotheads,” who embraced his tropical-themed concerts. Despite a lack of major radio hits, Buffett remained a consistent record seller, amassing four platinum and eight gold studio albums over his career.

Buffett’s success extended far beyond his music. He built a business empire around his laid-back lifestyle, generating a net worth estimated at $500 million in 2016. His brand, Margaritaville, encompasses licensed apparel, footwear, retail stores, restaurants, resorts, gaming rooms, and even a line of Margaritaville-branded beer. His brand is projected to generate billions in sales and has become a global lifestyle phenomenon.

The Multifaceted Artist

In addition to his music career, Buffett found success as a writer and a performer in film and television. His novels, including “Tales from Margaritaville” and “Where is Joe Merchant?,” reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list. He also wrote soundtracks and made cameo appearances in various films. Buffett’s lone foray into musical theater, an adaptation of Herman Wouk’s “Don’t Stop the Carnival,” was not successful.

Buffett’s stage performances were an iconic part of his career, and he continued to tour with his band, The Coral Reefer Band, until late in his life. His songs, such as “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” became sing-along favorites for his loyal fan base, often dressed in Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops.

A Philosophical Commitment to Finding Joy Now

Buffett’s music resonates with many due to its celebratory and joyful nature, combined with a hint of sadness. Christopher Ashley, director of the jukebox musical “Escape to Margaritaville,” describes the philosophy behind Buffett’s songs as a commitment to finding joy in the present moment:

“There is a celebratory bacchanalian quality but also a real strain of sadness in those songs. I think his songs have a real philosophical commitment to finding joy now, being as now is the only moment… Don’t postpone joy. Embrace it. Grab it. I think that’s profound and a great message to send in a world as joy-challenged as this one.”

A Legacy that Lives On

Jimmy Buffett leaves behind an enduring legacy as a pioneer in the music industry, an entrepreneur, and a cultural icon. His music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, and his Margaritaville brand will likely endure for generations to come. While he may no longer be with us, his message of embracing joy and living life like a song will continue to inspire and bring a touch of the tropics to those who seek solace in his music.