Jimmy Buffett, the iconic singer behind the “Margaritaville” empire has passed away at 76. Born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Buffett’s journey moved from a struggling artist with his debut album “Down To Earth” in 1970 to a billionaire with a tropical paradise brand.
A statement released by his website said, “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.”
His cause death was not disclosed.
He lived a life that embodied the spirit of his music, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by his devoted fans, known as “Parrotheads.” His influence, inspired by the vibrant celebrations of Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, has left an indelible mark on the world of music and leisure
His connection to Jamaica is marked by two Margaritaville franchises in the island as well as his song of survival “Jamaica Mistaica,” which he made after his 1955 Grumman HU-16 Albatross flying boat named “Hemisphere Dancer” was shot up by police in Negril as they mistook it for a plane carrying drugs.
The song “Jamaica Mistaica” chronicles the incident from the album “Banana Wind.”
Buffett embarked on a Caribbean, Central, and South American tour to celebrate his 50th birthday, accompanied by his wife, son, youngest daughter, and hired pilots to ease the workload. Despite persistent efforts to secure necessary clearances and permissions, Hemisphere Dancer was only permitted a single water landing during the month-long journey. This adventure is vividly detailed in Buffett’s autobiographical travelogue, “A Pirate Looks at 50,” which is a No. 1 the New York Times bestseller.
On January 16, 1996, during the tour, Buffett’s plane came under fire, on board the Hemisphere Dancer were Buffett, U2’s Bono, Bono’s wife Ali, their children Jordan and Eve, and Island Records producer Chris Blackwell. Fortunately, no one was injured, although the plane bore a few bullet holes.
The harrowing experience unfolded as Buffett taxied his Hemisphere Dancer in Negril, Jamaica.
“Those individuals were firing in every direction, evoking the sensation of a scene from a James Bond film… I genuinely feared for our lives… The relief that washed over me when I saw that the children were unharmed is indescribable,” recounted Bono.
Jimmy Buffett later released “Jamaica Mistaica” in 1996 to narrate the terrifying ordeal.
Buffett’s catalogue has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify across all credits.
Reggae artist Gramps Morgan has sent tributes on social media saying, “Condolences to my Margaritaville family and all of the Parrot Heads a Legend gone to soon his work will forever live on!!! @jimmybuffett @margaritaville@radiomargaritaville @dadasonentertainment.”
