Jimmy Buffett, the national musician and mogul who turned beach folk-rock hits into a prolific business empire, has died at the age of 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the evening of September 1 surrounded by family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted on Buffett’s website and social media pages on Saturday said. thing.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Buffett canceled the concert in early 2023 after being hospitalized with an unspecified illness.
Buffett’s music has been dubbed “Drunken Caribbean Rock ‘n’ Roll”, loved by millions and pioneered a mix that spans country, soft rock and folk genres.
Frozen margaritas, aloha shirts and hymns to the sandy beach appeared in his lyrics, coming to embody the carefree swing of 1970s America.
With songs like “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” Buffett has created a bubbly, chilled-out brand featuring cocktails and good times.
Buffett’s relaxed demeanor masked a sharp business mind. Buffett spun out his multi-million dollar Margaritaville Holdings empire from his 1977 classic “Margaritaville,” with Forbes estimating the value of his 28% stake at an estimated $180 million. Masu. Forbes estimated his net worth at $1 billion.
Founded in 1985, Margaritaville goes from selling trinkets and t-shirts to “a community based on food, entertainment, music and escapism inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s legendary music and lifestyle.” It has grown into a resort, restaurant and retirement village development advertised as.
In 2019, Where to Retire magazine named Buffett’s Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach, Florida, as one of the 50 best masterplanned communities in the United States.
Buffett’s devoted fans, known as Parrot Heads, have followed Buffett’s tours in the United States and abroad. Their exploits were documented in his 2017 documentary.
Tributes poured in from musicians, politicians and celebrities, including Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson, following the news of his death.
Forbes estimates that Buffett left behind an enormous fortune, including an estimated $570 million from touring and recording, a $50 million music catalog, a plane, a home, and a $140 million stake in Berkshire Hathaway. ing. He had nothing to do with Berkshire’s Warren Buffett.
The epitome of easy-going Caribbean swing, the music also gives voice to the personal struggles of individuals increasingly living corporate lives in a capitalist country tilting towards the 21st century.
The lyrics of “Margaritaville” themselves reflect “booze in the mixer,” while also spending “three days on vacation,” dreaming about losing weight and watching “cuties in Nantucket.” It alludes to the purposeless lives of old people.
James William Buffett was born on Christmas Day 1946 on the Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, Mississippi and spent much of his childhood in Alabama. He attended Auburn College in the state and the University of Southern Mississippi, earning degrees in journalism.
Buffett’s music career began in the country music capital of Nashville, Tennessee. He released his first album Down to Earth in 1970, but his momentum picked up after he moved to Key West, Florida and began documenting the city’s unique vibe.
More fan-favorite than critical darling, Buffett won a Grammy in 2003 for his duet with Alan Jackson, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Buffett continued to tour and perform throughout her life. He performed at the White House at President Bill Clinton’s 54th birthday party.
Buffett is survived by his second wife, Jane Slugsvol, whom he married in 1977. Daughters, Savannah and Sarah. and son Cameron.
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