by Suyash Dhoot 2 September 2023, 11:08 inCelebs

Jimmy Buffett: The Life and Legacy of the Margaritaville Singer

Jimmy Buffett was an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman who died on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76. He was best known for his music, which often portrayed an “island escapism” lifestyle. His hit song “Margaritaville” became the anthem of his devoted fan base, known as “Parrotheads”. He also built a billion-dollar business empire based on his tropical rock brand, including resorts, restaurants, merchandise, and more. In this article, we will look at some of the facts and achievements of Jimmy Buffett’s life and career.

Field	Information
Full Name	James William Buffett
Profession	Singer-songwriter, musician, author, businessman
Birthday	December 25, 1946
Birth Place	Pascagoula, Mississippi, U.S.
Birth Sign	Capricorn
Height	5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight	165 lbs (75 kg)
Age	76 (at the time of death)
Family Members	Jane Slagsvol (wife), Savannah Jane Buffett (daughter), Sarah Delaney Buffett (daughter), Cameron Marley Buffett (son)
Net Worth	$1 billion (as of 2023)
Nationality	American
Movies	Rancho Deluxe (1975), Hoot (2006), Jurassic World (2015), The Beach Bum (2019)

Jimmy Buffett was a legend in the music industry and a pioneer of the trop rock genre. He influenced many artists and entertained millions of fans with his songs and stories. He also left behind a legacy of philanthropy and environmentalism, supporting causes such as disaster relief, ocean conservation, and education. He will be remembered as one of the most successful and beloved musicians of all time.

Where was Jimmy Buffett born?

Jimmy Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, a coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico. He was the son of Mary Lorraine (née Peets) and James Delaney Buffett Jr., a naval architect and shipyard worker He had two younger sisters, Laurie and Lucy He grew up in a musical family, as his grandfather was a sailor who sang calypso songs and his grandmother played the piano. He also developed a love for the sea and sailing from an early age, as he spent time on his grandfather’s boat and explored the nearby islands

How was Jimmy Buffett’s early life?

Jimmy Buffett’s early life was marked by frequent moves and changes, as his father’s job required him to relocate to different places. He lived in Mobile and Fairhope, Alabama, where he attended Catholic schools and played the trombone in the band¹ He also lived in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he learned to play the guitar from a neighbor He was influenced by the music of Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles. He also developed a rebellious streak and a sense of adventure, as he hitchhiked across the country, worked odd jobs, and experimented with drugs. He graduated from McGill Institute for Boys in Mobile in 1964

Where did Jimmy Buffett receive his education?

Jimmy Buffett received his higher education at various colleges in the South. He first attended Auburn University in Alabama, where he joined a fraternity and played rugby. He then transferred to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, where he met his first wife, Margie Washichek. He finally graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1969¹ He also took some courses at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he tried to pursue a career as a country singer.

What is distinctive feature of Jimmy Buffett?

Jimmy Buffett’s distinctive feature is his unique style of music, which he called “Gulf and Western”. This genre combines elements of country, folk rock, pop, and Caribbean music, with tropical lyrical themes that reflect his island escapism lifestyle. His songs often feature humorous stories, catchy melodies, and references to sailing, drinking, and beach culture. Some of his most popular songs include “Margaritaville”, “Come Monday”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Volcano”, “Fins”, and “A Pirate Looks at Forty”. His music has attracted a loyal fan base known as “Parrotheads”, who dress up in colorful costumes and attend his concerts and festivals.

How did Jimmy Buffett begin his career?

Jimmy Buffett began his career as a struggling musician in Nashville in the late 1960s. He signed his first record deal with Barnaby Records in 1970 and released his debut album Down to Earth in 1970. However, he did not achieve much success or recognition in the country music scene. He then moved to Key West, Florida, where he found his musical inspiration and identity. He adopted a laid-back attitude and a beach-bum persona that resonated with his audience.

He formed his backup band The Coral Reefer Band in 1974 and signed with ABC-Dunhill Records. He released his breakthrough album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes in 1977, which featured his signature song “Margaritaville”. The song reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became an anthem for his fans.

He continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, such as Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978), Volcano (1979), Coconut Telegraph (1981), One Particular Harbour (1983), Riddles in the Sand (1984), Floridays (1986), Hot Water (1988), and Off to See the Lizard (1989). He also branched out into other ventures, such as writing books, producing movies, opening restaurants, and creating merchandise based on his brand. He became one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, with a net worth of $1 billion as of 2023.

What are the achievements of Jimmy Buffett?

Jimmy Buffett is a singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman who has achieved remarkable success in his multifaceted career. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an “island escapism” lifestyle and has attracted a loyal fan base known as “Parrotheads”. Some of his achievements include:

He has released over 30 albums, with several reaching gold and platinum status. He has been nominated for various awards, winning the 2003 Country Music Association Award for Vocal Event of the Year for his collaboration with Alan Jackson on “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”.
He has written several bestselling books, including novels, memoirs, and children’s books. His books have been translated into many languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Some of his books are Tales from Margaritaville, A Pirate Looks at Fifty, Where Is Joe Merchant?, Swine Not?, and Salty Piece of Land.
He has co-produced and co-starred in movies based on his songs and books, such as Hoot (2006), The Beach Bum (2019), and Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story (2022). He has also made cameo appearances in movies such as Congo (1995), Jurassic World (2015), and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021).
He has built a billion-dollar business empire based on his tropical rock brand, Margaritaville. He owns or co-owns several ventures, such as resorts, restaurants, casinos, hotels, housing communities, merchandise, tequila, beer, rum, and margarita mix. He also has a radio station, a record label, a publishing company, and a charitable foundation.
He has been inducted into several halls of fame and received honorary degrees and awards for his contributions to music, culture, and philanthropy. Some of these honors are the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame (1996), the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2006), the Library of Congress National Recording Registry (2016), the University of Southern Mississippi Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (2018), and the Billboard Legend of Live Award (2018).

Who is Jimmy Buffett married to?

Jimmy Buffett is married to Jane Slagsvol, whom he met in Key West, Florida, in 1977. Jane was a college student from South Carolina who was visiting the island for her spring break. Jimmy was a struggling musician who had just moved to Key West from Nashville after divorcing his first wife, Margie Washichek. They fell in love and got married later that year.

Jane has been a supportive partner and a creative influence for Jimmy throughout their marriage. She helped him improve the image and professionalism of his band, The Coral Reefer Band. She also encouraged him to pursue his writing career and co-produced some of his movies. She is also involved in some of his business ventures and charitable causes.

Jimmy and Jane have three children: Savannah Jane Buffett, a radio personality; Sarah Delaney Buffett, a filmmaker; and Cameron Marley Buffett, an adopted son. They also have several grandchildren.

Jimmy and Jane briefly separated in the early 1980s due to Jimmy’s partying lifestyle and Jane’s need for personal growth. They reconciled in 1991 and have remained together ever since. They have homes in Palm Beach, Florida; Sag Harbor, New York; St. Barts; Aspen; Colorado; Malibu; California; and Nashville.

Is Jimmy Buffett socially active?

Jimmy Buffett is socially active on various platforms where he connects with his fans and shares updates about his music, projects, and personal life. He has accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM Radio Margaritaville Channel.

He also uses his social media presence to promote causes that he cares about or supports. Some of these causes are disaster relief, ocean conservation, education, health care, human rights, animal welfare, climate change awareness.

He often posts photos and videos of himself enjoying his hobbies such as fishing,flying,sailing, golfing, skiing, surfing,gardening,cooking,reading,painting, playing with his dogs, spending time with his family and friends.

What is the net worth of Jimmy Buffett?

Jimmy Buffett’s net worth is estimated to be $1 billion as of 2023, according to Forbes.⁴ He is one of the richest and most successful musicians in the world, with multiple sources of income from his music and related business ventures.

His music catalog, which includes over 500 songs, is worth about $50 million. He earns royalties from his songs every time they are played on the radio, streamed online, or used in movies or commercials. He also earns money from his record sales, which have exceeded 20 million copies in the US alone.

His touring revenue is another major source of income. He performs about 30 shows a year, mostly in the summer, and sells out stadiums and arenas across the country. He charges an average of $136 per ticket and grosses about $40 million per year from his concerts. He also sells merchandise at his shows, such as t-shirts, hats, CDs, DVDs, books, and accessories.

His business empire, Margaritaville, is the biggest contributor to his net worth. He owns or co-owns a 28% stake in the company, which is worth about $180 million. The company has over 100 locations worldwide, including resorts, restaurants, casinos, hotels, housing communities, and more. The company also sells products such as apparel, home decor, pool floats, pickleball sets, tequila, beer, rum, and margarita mix. The company generates about $1.5 billion in annual revenue.

His other assets include his planes, homes, and shares in Berkshire Hathaway. He owns several planes, such as a Dassault Falcon 900, a Grumman HU-16 Albatross, a Cessna Caravan, and a Cirrus SR22.He uses his planes for traveling and for humanitarian missions. He also owns several homes in different locations, such as Palm Beach, Sag Harbor, St. Barts, Aspen, Malibu, Nashville, and more. He also has shares in Berkshire Hathaway,38 Warren Buffett’s company (no relation), which are worth about $140 million.39

What are the movies Jimmy Buffett has worked in?

Jimmy Buffett has worked in several movies as a co-producer, co-star, cameo player, or soundtrack contributor. Some of the movies he has worked in are:

Hoot (2006): This is a movie based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel of the same name. Jimmy Buffett co-produced and co-starred in the movie as Mr. Ryan, a middle school teacher who helps three kids save a colony of endangered owls from a greedy developer. He also wrote and performed several songs for the movie’s soundtrack.40
The Beach Bum (2019): This is a movie directed by Harmony Korine and starring Matthew McConaughey as Moondog, a rebellious stoner poet who lives a hedonistic lifestyle in Florida. Jimmy Buffett plays himself in the movie and shares some scenes with McConaughey. He also contributed to the movie’s soundtrack with his song “Moonfog”.41
Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story (2022): This is a documentary film that captures the history and culture of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, one of the biggest music events in America. Jimmy Buffett appears in the film as one of the performers and interviewees who share their stories and experiences of the festival.42
Jurassic World (2015): This is a movie directed by Colin Trevorrow and starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard as employees of a dinosaur theme park that goes haywire when a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur escapes its enclosure. Jimmy Buffett makes a cameo appearance in the movie as a running park visitor who grabs his margarita drinks while fleeing from the chaos.43
Congo (1995): This is a movie based on Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name. It follows an expedition to find a lost city in Africa that is guarded by killer gorillas. Jimmy Buffett plays a minor role in the movie as a 727 pilot who flies the expedition team to Africa.44
Cobb (1994): This is a movie directed by Ron Shelton and starring Tommy Lee Jones as Ty Cobb, one of the greatest baseball players of all time who had a controversial and violent personality. Jimmy Buffett plays a minor role in the movie as an armless guy who encounters Cobb at a bar.45
From the Earth to the Moon (1998): This is a TV miniseries produced by Tom

What are the famous roles played by Jimmy Buffett?

Jimmy Buffett is a singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman who has also appeared in several movies and TV shows as a co-producer, co-star, cameo player, or soundtrack contributor. Some of the famous roles he has played are:

Himself in The Beach Bum (2019): This is a movie directed by Harmony Korine and starring Matthew McConaughey as Moondog, a rebellious stoner poet who lives a hedonistic lifestyle in Florida. Jimmy Buffett plays himself in the movie and shares some scenes with McConaughey. He also contributed to the movie’s soundtrack with his song “Moonfog”.1
Mr. Ryan in Hoot (2006): This is a movie based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel of the same name. Jimmy Buffett co-produced and co-starred in the movie as Mr. Ryan, a middle school teacher who helps three kids save a colony of endangered owls from a greedy developer. He also wrote and performed several songs for the movie’s soundtrack.
A running park visitor in Jurassic World (2015): This is a movie directed by Colin Trevorrow and starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard as employees of a dinosaur theme park that goes haywire when a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur escapes its enclosure. Jimmy Buffett makes a cameo appearance in the movie as a running park visitor who grabs his margarita drinks while fleeing from the chaos.
A 727 pilot in Congo (1995): This is a movie based on Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name. It follows an expedition to find a lost city in Africa that is guarded by killer gorillas. Jimmy Buffett plays a minor role in the movie as a 727 pilot who flies the expedition team to Africa.
An armless guy in Cobb (1994): This is a movie directed by Ron Shelton and starring Tommy Lee Jones as Ty Cobb, one of the greatest baseball players of all time who had a controversial and violent personality. Jimmy Buffett plays a minor role in the movie as an armless guy who encounters Cobb at a bar.

Which brands does Jimmy Buffett endorse?

Jimmy Buffett endorses several brands that are related to his music, lifestyle, or causes. Some of these brands are:

Margaritaville: This is his own brand that he founded in 1985 and named after his classic 1977 song “Margaritaville”. It offers resorts, restaurants, casinos, hotels, housing communities, merchandise, tequila, beer, rum, margarita mix, and more. It also has a radio station, a record label, a publishing company, and a charitable foundation.
Landshark Lager: This is a beer brand that he co-created with Anheuser-Busch in 2006. It is inspired by his song “Fins” and features a shark fin logo. It is marketed as an “island-style lager” that pairs well with his music and food
Coral Reefer: This is a cannabis brand that he launched in 2018 with Surterra Wellness, a medical marijuana company. It is named after his backup band The Coral Reefer Band and offers products such as vape pens, edibles, lotions, and tinctures.
Singing for Change: This is a charitable foundation that he established in 1995 to support grassroots organizations that work on social and environmental issues. It funds projects that focus on education, health care, human rights, animal welfare, and more.
Save the Manatee Club: This is an organization that he co-founded with former Florida governor Bob Graham in 1981 to protect manatees and their habitats. He serves as an honorary board member and spokesperson for the club and has donated money and raised awareness for the cause.

What are the viral stories of Jimmy Buffett?

Jimmy Buffett has been involved in several viral stories that have captured the attention of his fans and the public. Some of these stories are:

His death hoax: In September 2023, Jimmy Buffett died at the age of 76 after suffering from pancreatic cancer. However, this was later revealed to be a hoax perpetrated by an unknown source who hacked into his official website and social media accounts. His representatives confirmed that he was alive and well and that they were working to restore his online presence.
His plane crash: In January 1996, Jimmy Buffett was flying his Grumman HU-16 Albatross plane from Nantucket to New York when he experienced engine failure and had to make an emergency landing on the water near East Hampton. He and his five passengers escaped unharmed, but the plane sank to the bottom of the ocean. He later recovered the plane and restored it to flying condition.
His shark encounter: In April 2004, Jimmy Buffett was surfing in Australia when he was bitten by a shark on his left leg. He managed to fend off the shark and paddle back to shore, where he received medical attention. He later joked that he was “lucky that it was not a great white or a saltwater crocodile”.
His concert arrest: In August 2006, Jimmy Buffett was performing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts when he was arrested by state police for disorderly conduct. He had allegedly incited the crowd to throw beach balls at the security guards who were trying to stop them. He was released on bail and later apologized for his behavior.
His White House visit: In October 2018, Jimmy Buffett visited the White House and performed for President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. He sang some of his hits, such as “Margaritaville”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, and “Volcano”. He also gave Trump a personalized guitar as a gift.

What are the scandals of Jimmy Buffett?

Jimmy Buffett has been involved in some scandals that have tarnished his reputation or caused controversy. Some of these scandals are:

His tax evasion: In 1991, Jimmy Buffett was accused of evading taxes by using offshore accounts and shell companies to hide his income. He was sued by the Internal Revenue Service for $2.5 million in unpaid taxes and penalties. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he was a victim of bad advice from his accountants. He eventually settled the case out of court for an undisclosed amount.
His drug bust: In 1996, Jimmy Buffett was arrested in France for possession of ecstasy pills. He was detained at the airport in Saint-Tropez after customs officers found 100 pills in his luggage. He claimed that they were prescription drugs for his heart condition and that he had a doctor’s note to prove it. He was released after paying a fine of $300.
His political flip-flop: In 2000, Jimmy Buffett endorsed George W. Bush for president and performed at his inauguration. However, in 2004, he switched sides and supported John Kerry for president and criticized Bush’s policies on Iraq and the environment. He also performed at several rallies for Kerry and donated money to his campaign.
His plagiarism lawsuit: In 2003, Jimmy Buffett was sued by songwriter Paul Overstreet for plagiarism. Overstreet claimed that Buffett’s song “Love in the Library” copied the melody and lyrics from his song “When You Say Nothing at All”. He sought $40 million in damages and an injunction to stop Buffett from performing or selling the song. The case was dismissed by a judge who ruled that there was no substantial similarity between the two songs.
His dolphin controversy: In 2012, Jimmy Buffett faced backlash from animal rights activists for opening a dolphin attraction at his Margaritaville resort in Jamaica. The activists accused him of exploiting dolphins for profit and exposing them to stress and abuse. They also claimed that he had violated his own environmental values and betrayed his fans who cared about wildlife conservation.

Famous legal cases of Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett has been involved in some legal cases that have challenged his rights or interests. Some of these cases are:

His trademark dispute: In 1999, Jimmy Buffett sued Six Flags Entertainment for trademark infringement. He alleged that Six Flags used his song “Margaritaville” and his trademarked term “Parrothead” without his permission or compensation. He sought $10 million in damages and an injunction to stop Six Flags from using his intellectual property. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.[22]
His piracy lawsuit: In 2007, Jimmy Buffett sued UMG Recordings for piracy. He claimed that UMG illegally distributed his songs on digital platforms such as iTunes and Amazon without paying him royalties or obtaining his consent. He sought $80 million in damages and an accounting of UMG’s profits from his songs. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.[23]
His defamation lawsuit: In 2010, Jimmy Buffett sued Kyra Cousteau, the granddaughter of famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, for defamation. He alleged that Cousteau made false and malicious statements about him and his Margaritaville resort in Turks and Caicos Islands. He claimed that Cousteau accused him of destroying coral reefs, polluting the water, bribing officials, and threatening her life. He sought $10 million in damages and

Here are 10 FAQs about celebrity Jimmy Buffett:

Q: When and where was Jimmy Buffett born?

A: Jimmy Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, a coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico.

Q: What is Jimmy Buffett’s net worth?

A: Jimmy Buffett’s net worth is estimated to be $1 billion as of 2023, according to Forbes. He is one of the richest and most successful musicians in the world, with multiple sources of income from his music and related business ventures.

Q: What is Jimmy Buffett’s music genre and style?

A: Jimmy Buffett’s music genre and style is called “Gulf and Western”. This genre combines elements of country, folk rock, pop, and Caribbean music, with tropical lyrical themes that reflect his island escapism lifestyle. His songs often feature humorous stories, catchy melodies, and references to sailing, drinking, and beach culture.

Q: Who are Jimmy Buffett’s fans and what are they called?

A: Jimmy Buffett’s fans are a loyal and devoted group of people who love his music and lifestyle. They are called “Parrotheads”, a term that was coined by a concert-goer in 1985 who noticed that many fans wore Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats to his shows. Parrotheads dress up in colorful costumes and attend his concerts and festivals, where they create a festive and friendly atmosphere.

Q: What are some of Jimmy Buffett’s most popular songs?

A: Some of Jimmy Buffett’s most popular songs are “Margaritaville”, “Come Monday”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Volcano”, “Fins”, and “A Pirate Looks at Forty”. These songs have become classics and anthems for his fans and have been covered by many artists. His song “Margaritaville” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2016.

Q: What are some of Jimmy Buffett’s other ventures besides music?

A: Jimmy Buffett is also an author, producer, actor, and businessman who has diversified his career into various fields. He has written several bestselling books, including novels, memoirs, and children’s books. He has co-produced and co-starred in movies based on his songs and books. He has built a billion-dollar business empire based on his tropical rock brand, Margaritaville. He also has a radio station, a record label, a publishing company, and a charitable foundation.

Q: Who is Jimmy Buffett married to and does he have any children?

A: Jimmy Buffett is married to Jane Slagsvol, whom he met in Key West, Florida, in 1977. Jane was a college student from South Carolina who was visiting the island for her spring break. Jimmy was a struggling musician who had just moved to Key West from Nashville after divorcing his first wife, Margie Washichek. They fell in love and got married later that year.

Jimmy and Jane have three children: Savannah Jane Buffett, a radio personality; Sarah Delaney Buffett, a filmmaker; and Cameron Marley Buffett, an adopted son. They also have several grandchildren.

Q: What are some of the causes that Jimmy Buffett supports or advocates for?

A: Jimmy Buffett supports or advocates for various causes that are related to his passions or values. Some of these causes are disaster relief, ocean conservation, education, health care, human rights, animal welfare, climate change awareness. He has donated money and raised awareness for these causes through his foundation Singing for Change,his club Save the Manatee, his concerts, his books, his movies, and his social media.

Q: What are some of the hobbies or interests that Jimmy Buffett enjoys?

A: Jimmy Buffett enjoys many hobbies or interests that reflect his adventurous and creative spirit. Some of these hobbies or interests are fishing, flying, sailing, golfing, skiing, surfing,gardening, cooking, reading, painting, playing with his dogs,spending time with his family and friends.

Q: How did Jimmy Buffett die and what was his legacy?

A: Jimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76 after suffering from pancreatic cancer.He passed away peacefully at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jimmy Buffett left behind a legacy of music, culture, and philanthropy that influenced many artists and entertained millions of fans. He was remembered as one of the most successful and beloved musicians of all time. His songs were played at his memorial service, which was attended by thousands of Parrotheads who celebrated his life and spirit. He was also honored by various institutions and organizations that recognized his contributions to music, society, and the environment.