Saying Goodbye to Jimmy Buffett

We’re wishing bon voyage to Jimmy Buffett, the “Son of a Son of a Sailor” who has set sail for the farther shore. The perennially popular singer-songwriter famed for such classic tunes as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” passed away Friday at age 76.

The announcement of his death was posted Saturday on his website: “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1 surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

Buffett’s unique style of music often has been described as “Gulf and Western” — a play on the name of the Gulf & Western conglomerate — because of what writer Bill Friskics-Warren described as “his fusion of laid-back twang and island-themed lyrics.” It’s a well-nigh irresistible mix that attracted legions of loyal fans affectionately known as Parrotheads.

From the New York Times obituary: “Peopled with pirates, smugglers, beach bums and barflies, Mr. Buffett’s genial, self-deprecating songs conjured a world of sun, salt water and nonstop parties animated by the calypso country-rock of his limber Coral Reefer Band. His live shows abounded with singalong anthems and festive tropical iconography, making him a perennial draw on the summer concert circuit, where he built an ardent fan base akin to the Grateful Dead’s Deadheads.”

As news of Buffett's death spread Saturday, many friends and admirers celebrated the man and his music on social media.

It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.

I remember once on holiday when I had forgotten to bring my guitar and was… pic.twitter.com/k5B6xgpAh7

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) September 2, 2023