James William Buffett

December 25, 1946-September 1, 2023

Jimmy Buffett, born in Pascagoula, Mississippi was an American musician, singer-songwriter, author and businessman.  He was best known for his tropical rock music which often portrayed a lifestyle described as "island escapism".  Buffett recorded hit songs known as Margaritaville (1977), Come Monday (1974), Fins (1979), Cheeseburger in Paradise (1978), Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977), Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978) and It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (2003).  He formed the Coral Reefer Band in 1975.  

Of the over 30 albums released by Buffett, 8 are certified gold and 9 are certified platinum or multiplatinum.  In total, Buffett sold over 20 million albums. 

Buffett also parlayed the "island escapism" lifestyle of his music into several business ventures including Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant chains.  Buffett was one of the world's richest musicians with a net worth of $1 billion.  He was also a bestselling author having written A Pirate Looks at Fifty and Tales from Margaritaville among others.  

His devoted fan base, composed mostly of baby boomers, are known as "Parrotheads".  

Buffett was an avid pilot and owned a Dassault Falcon 900 jet that he often used while on concert tours and during his travels.  In 2015, Buffett's hometown named a bridge after him in his honor, Buffett Bridge.

According to a statement on Buffett's official website he was "surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs" at the time of his passing.  His last words to his sister, Lucy Buffett were "Have Fun". 

Jimmy's music gave us lots of fun!

RIP Jimmy