Jimmy Buffett: “The Poet of Paradise”

On Friday, Sept. 1, the legend James William Buffet, known as Jimmy Buffet, passed away. The Folk-Country singer, who was commonly recognized for his songs “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island. The tragedy was announced to the public via his Instagram page and quickly hit news outlets.”Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st 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,” stated Buffet’s family. 

Later on Sept. 9 his wife, Jane Buffet, posted a letter as a tribute to Jimmy Buffet to thank everyone who has supported her and her family throughout their struggles and grief.

 “One of the last songs Jimmy recorded was “Bubbles Up.” He sings, ‘Just know that you are loved, there is light up above, and the joy is always enough. Bubbles up.’ Jimmy knew he was loved. Right until the end, he looked for the light. Thank you for giving joy to him and to me,” Jane concluded in her letter. 

Buffet passed away from Merkel Cell Skin Cancer at the age of 76. Merkel Cell is a rare type of skin cancer that can go undetected and is mainly caused due to UV exposure. Buffet was no stranger to the sun but lived life to the fullest. He had been fighting cancer for a total of 4 years. Although he was not always well, Buffet did not let his cancer stop him from doing the things he loved. He kept on performing through his treatment until he played his last show in early July as a surprise in Rhode Island. 

Jimmy Buffet was born on Dec. 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and grew up later in Alabama. He began singing and songwriting early on in the bars and streets of New Orleans which encouraged him to continue on his path as a musician. He never took himself too seriously as a singer and said “he liked to say that the job of singing for a living was descended from the profession of court jester.” 

Buffet was a beloved person in the music industry and made many contributions. His career spanned over 50 years where he created music which made him one of the most successful performers and musicians in music history. During his shows, arenas were filled with people who called themselves “Parrot heads” to associate with the paradise performer’s “signature blend of folk, country and Caribbean music with lyrics that often reflected [his] world travels,” stated Jimmy Buffet’s website.  

He collaborated with many great musicians in his songs such as Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Clint Black, Martina McBride, Alan Jackson and Toby Keith. “After tallying five top 40 entries in the ’70s, reaching the top 10 with his signature anthem “Margaritaville” (No. 8, 1977), he tallied his second- and third-biggest hits thanks to turns on Jackson’s “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” (No. 17, 2003) and Zac Brown Band’s “Knee Deep” (No. 18, 2011),” stated Billboard. 

Not only was Buffet a musician, but he was also an author and entrepreneur.  Buffet had number one best-sellers which ranged from both the fiction and non-fiction lists of the New York Times Book Review. On the entrepreneur side, Buffet built “a diversified lifestyle brand business, including Margaritaville hotels, restaurants and retirement communities, along with sidelines such as Land Shark beer. Buffett’s branding and business acumen made him one of the most financially successful musicians of all time,” according to Jimmy Buffet’s website. 

Buffet was also a philanthropist who gave back to various communities he chose to support. These charities include “Singing for a Change,” “Save the Manatee Club” and “Last Mango Boatworks.” 

The “Poet of Paradise” was a remarkable person who will never be forgotten in the music industry. Many say that Buffett is now in his own paradise sipping on margaritas and soaking in the sun on the beach somewhere.