Synthaholic Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 Jimmy Buffett, musical ‘mayor of Margaritaville,’ dies at 76 The singer-songwriter sold 20 million records from his greatest hit, ‘Margaritaville’ and created a lifestyle brand of tropical breezes, frozen cocktails and laid-back escapism Jimmy Buffett, the singer-songwriter and “mayor of Margaritaville,” the mythical paradise of tropical breezes, frozen cocktails and laid-back escapism that inspired his greatest hit and fostered a hugely successful branding and business empire, died Sept. 1 at 76. A statement posted on his website and social media accounts announced the death but did not disclose further details. He was hospitalized earlier this year for an unspecified illness. Mr. Buffett, a frustrated Nashville country artist, found his muse when he moved to Key West, Fla., in spring 1972, leaving behind a failed marriage and stalled career. Surrounded by blue water, he donned Hawaiian shirts, cutoff shorts and flip-flops, grabbed an old blender, and embraced the quirky beach community with his musical soul. “It was a scene,” he told Playboy magazine. “Everyone went out and applauded the sunset every night. Bales of marijuana washed up on the shore. There were great cheap Cuban restaurants … Key West seemed like the End: East Coast Division — a common reason people wind up there, especially writers, artists, musicians and other interesting derelicts, drawn by the idea that Key West is the final stroke of a great comma in the map of North America, suggesting more to come but maybe not.” 1 Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Threadslayer Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 He definitely taught an entire generation (mine) how to party. RIP Jimmy 1 Quote Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. -Mark Twain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delaware Dave Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 Apparently one too many Margaritas 1 1 2 Quote 57 Hammond B3; 69 Hammond L100P; 68 Leslie 122; Kurzweil Forte7 & PC3; M-Audio Code 61; Voce V5+; Neo Vent; EV ELX112P; GSI Gemini & Burn Delaware Dave Exit93band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 Back in the 1970s when Margaritaville was new, it was in constant play on club jukeboxes during our band breaks. One night after a few rounds, the guitar player (who was also fond of Margaritas) said "Let's learn this thing!" We all looked at him like he was daft... like we can't stoop that low. It turned out to be one of our best songs for crowd response. RIP Jimmy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 2, 2023 Author Share Posted September 2, 2023 3 Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Nathan Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 45 minutes ago, Delaware Dave said: Apparently one too many Margaritas A little cold (imho). 4 Quote Don't rush me. I'm playing as slowly as I can! http://www.stevenathanmusic.com/stevenathanmusic.com/HOME.html https://apple.co/2EGpYXK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalman Stern Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 1 hour ago, Steve Nathan said: A little cold (imho). I gather that for all the reputation associated with the music and image, Buffett lived a relatively healthy lifestyle. At least by musician standards... Surely drinking to excess on a regular basis is a really bad idea but so is being a total stress monkey and Buffett's message definitely discouraged the latter. His being savvy at business definitely made it easier to live a relaxed lifestyle, but plenty of successful people are unable to make that tradeoff. Back in the late 90s or early 2000s a writer for a Bay Area local paper wrote about the controversy of Buffett playing the Shoreline Amphitheater. He was a huge draw every year and the fans were rather horrible. An exercise in public drunkenness. Leaving a lot of trash and a huge traffic jam at the start and end of the concert. The article was very complimentary to Jimmy himself but suggested the anthem for the fans shouldn't be Margaritaville but rather the Dead Kennedys' "Too Drunk Too F---." -Z- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Docbop Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 His music wasn't my thing but I respect all the joy he brought to others with his music and Margaritaville Vibe. RIP Jimmy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reezekeys Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 JB wasn't really my cup of tea but I remember being knocked out by the record he did with those PM guys (which I remember mentioning in an old thread here, Dave) and Weckl's buddy Jay Oliver. Both Dave and Jay are back in St. Louis. I was doing a gig in a cover band in St. Croix USVI when Jimmy asked to sit in with us! This was around 1979 I think. Our bass player had to yell the changes to Margaritaville to me as we were playing it! RIP Jimmy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MathOfInsects Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 He crafted an amazing career, and has a couple of "real" songs that are canon-worthy. "Come Monday" holds up very well IMO. He also seemed to have the respect of the "real" Nashville guys as a songwriter and performer, and definitely seemed to be able to live the dream somehow (with the "somehow" meant as admiration, not a knock. Like, how in the world did this guy who basically sang about the Club Med lifestyle become such a Boomer icon? It was a brilliant lane he carved). Bummed to see him go so young. Quote Now out! "Mind the Gap," a 24-song album of new material. www.joshweinstein.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzpiano88 Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 His following was like the Grateful Dead and the stats bear it out in ticket sales since 1980. 14th all time. 1 Quote J a z z P i a n o 8 8 -- Yamaha C7D Montage M8x | CP300 | CP4 | SK1-73 | OB6 | Seven K8.2 | 3300 | CPSv.3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Nathan Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 3 hours ago, Dave Ferris said: They were a generation younger then me and I'd already left STL in 1979 before they became popular, but the Mayer Brothers, Peter and Jim, were long time members of his band. They were/are both fine musicians and the gig afforded them some security in being able to buy a house, start a family and in Peter's case, branch out on his own solo career. RIP. I know and have played with both Peter and Jim, and they are fine musicians indeed. Quote Don't rush me. I'm playing as slowly as I can! http://www.stevenathanmusic.com/stevenathanmusic.com/HOME.html https://apple.co/2EGpYXK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zxcvbnm098 Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 “I’m not about to apologize for being a good businessman. Too many people in music have ruined their lives because they weren’t. I’m not a great singer, and I’m only a so-so guitar player ... There’s never been any grand plan to this thing. I’m making it up as I go along … Just trying to work the system while maintaining my ‘60s anarchic soul." "Parrot Heads were the initial audience for Buffett’s Margaritaville brand but the company grew from a T-shirt shop and cafe into a multidimensional hospitality company, one that encompassed 150 restaurants and bars, along with more than 30 hotels and resorts that employed 1,000 people in North America. The Margaritaville logo could also be found on casinos, cruises, waterparks, leisure wear, pickleball paddles, food, beer, furniture, frozen drink machines, even on a Florida retirement community. All told, Forbes magazine estimated Buffett’s total worth at $1 billion in April 2023." No bad for a "so-so" guitar player. Rest in peace brother... Full LA Times obit... https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-09-02/jimmy-buffett-dead-margaritaville-singer-songwriter 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allan_evett Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 What a life! I’ve been a fan for a long, long time. And have had the privilege of gigging with two different Jimmy Buffett tribute acts since 2015. So much fun playing that music! I remember a rehearsal a few years ago at which we were working out, “I Will Play for Gumbo”. The band leader remarked about the piano part I was playing, saying that he didn’t hear any of that on the album recording. I played the version I had learned from at home; turns out it was from a ‘live at Wrigley Field’ album, on which Bill Payne guest starred. Frank - the leader - decided to work from that live version. So when we play it, I attempt a piano part that on good nights bears a slight resemblance to Bill Payne’s memorable playing😅. Rest in peace, Jimmy Buffett. Your hard work has earned you that! 1 Quote 'Someday, we'll look back on these days and laugh; likely a maniacal laugh from our padded cells, but a laugh nonetheless' - Mr. Boffo. We need a barfing cat emoticon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill5 Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 11 hours ago, Steve Nathan said: A little cold (imho). I was thinking "classless," but OK. That ticket sales stat above is interesting, and all the more impressive for some of the artists when you consider many (most? all?) all of their success/hits were before 1980. Jimmy Buffett is IMO perfect summer music. Laid back, just like summer. RIP 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Mike Metlay Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 I was never a huge fan of his music in general, but he did a few songs that I was very fond of. In stark contrast to a previous post about how awful his fans were at a concert on the West Coast, the one time I saw him live was in Tallahassee Florida, and the sense of pure joy among the crowd was quite remarkable. Whatever else my music might or might not accomplish, I would be very proud if I could inspire my fans to bring that kind of energy to concerts, as opposed to the usual fandom in electronic music, which seems to view every live performance with a combination of depression and skepticism. The Pirate will never get to look at 80, but he had a really good run. May his memory be for a blessing. mike Quote Dr. Mike Metlay (PhD in nuclear physics, golly gosh) Musician, Author, Editor, Educator, Impresario, Online Radio Guy, Cut-Rate Polymath, and Kindly Pedant Editor-in-Chief, Bjooks ~ Author of SYNTH GEMS 1 clicky!: more about me ~ my radio station (and my fam) ~ my local tribe ~ my day job ~ my book ~ my music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outkaster Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 I know he always had a good back up band with him. Quote "Danny, ci manchi a tutti. La E-Street Band non e' la stessa senza di te. Riposa in pace, fratello" noblevibes.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 On 9/2/2023 at 10:54 AM, Delaware Dave said: Apparently one too many Margaritas Dude.... c'mon. He passed from the worst kind of skin cancer one can get. Merkel Cell. fast onset, and extremely fast metastasizing to lymph nodes. He was diagnosed 4 years ago. Paul McCartney, was one who recently visited Jimmy in Hospice and sang for him. RIP Jimmy. 2 Quote David Gig Rig:Roland Fantom 08 | Roland Jupiter 80 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adan Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 In a slightly parallel universe, he's an accomplished songwriter who does well but never becomes famous because, as he admits, he's an unremarkable singer/pleyer. In this universe, he alters the course of history . . . for the better. Always enjoy performing his tunes because it's an invitation to add a carribean vibe. 1 1 Quote Gigging: Crumar Mojo 61, Hammond SKPro Home: Vintage Vibe 64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSS Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 Paul McCartney's tribute to Jimmy Buffett was impressive both in its length and content. RIP Jimmy. I hope you found that lost shaker of salt. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/paul-mccartney-pays-tribute-jimmy-204155085.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall 2 Quote Gigs: Nord 5D 73, Kurz PC4-7 & SP4-7, Hammond SK1, Yamaha CK88, MX88, & P121, Numa Compact 2x, Casio CGP700, QSC K12, Yamaha DBR10, JBL515xt(2). Alto TS310(2) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stokely Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 We played a couple of his tunes at our Saturday gig...one I had never played (Pirate looks at 40) but easy enough to follow. And of course, I completely flubbed Margaritaville. It's not part of our regular song list so I really haven't learned it like I should (we actually play regular gigs at the Margaritaville resort in Kissimmee but for whatever reason we don't play it there ). I used to screw this song up back in the late 80s too. For whatever reason, I have issues remembering the (very simple) signature licks in this song, and normally I don't have this issue with music (lyrics, sure). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 On 9/3/2023 at 12:22 AM, bill5 said: That ticket sales stat above is interesting It told me that the Grateful Dead didn't charge a lot of money to see them live. Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 17 hours ago, EscapeRocks said: Paul McCartney, was one who recently visited Jimmy in Hospice and sang for him. Sir Paul had a beautiful tweet about Jimmy. 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 itching to play. He said he would get me one of his, but I said, ‘I’m left-handed’. So, Jimmy had his roadie restring one of his guitars which he loaned me for the duration of the holiday. He then followed this act of generosity by giving me my own beautiful left-handed guitar that had been made by one of his guitar-making pals. It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was. He had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humour. When we swapped tales about the past his were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him. Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humour that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it’. So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all, and for mankind as a whole. Last, but not least, is his songwriting and vocal ability. If someone made an interesting remark he repeated it in his gorgeous Louisiana drawl and said, ‘That’s a good idea for a song’. Most times it didn’t take too long for that song to appear. I was very happy to have played on one of his latest songs called ‘My Gummy Just Kicked In’. We had a real fun session and he played me some of his new songs. One, in particular, I loved was the song, ‘Bubbles Up’. And I told him that not only was the song great but the vocal was probably the best I’ve heard him sing ever. He turned a diving phrase that is used to train people underwater into a metaphor for life when you’re confused and don’t know where you are just follow the bubbles - they’ll take you up to the surface and straighten you out right away. So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend. Love, Paul 3 Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 9 hours ago, HSS said: Paul McCartney's tribute to Jimmy Buffett was impressive both in its length and content. RIP Jimmy. I hope you found that lost shaker of salt. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/paul-mccartney-pays-tribute-jimmy-204155085.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall I'm sorry - I didn't see your post before I just posted about Sir Paul. 1 Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan May Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 I grew up (like everybody else who has ears) listening to Jimmy Buffett, and while his rock music could be panned by fans who never took him seriously, he wrote some excellent songs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 I'm going to be playing all my Buffett this week: Margaritaville Volcano Son of a Son of a Sailor A Pirate Looks at 40 He Went to Paris Fins Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes Come Monday I think Come Monday is as good a song as has ever been written. I never get tired of it. 2 Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 Gotta admit.... Come Monday was the only Buffett song I played that didn't make me wince a little. I played it regularly for years though - especially in piano bars, where it went in practically every night. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthaholic Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 25 minutes ago, Bill H. said: Gotta admit.... Come Monday was the only Buffett song I played that didn't make me wince a little. I played it regularly for years though - especially in piano bars, where it went in practically every night. Country singer Billy Dean was in the audience a few years ago and I invited him up to sing. I told him I didn't have any of his songs worked up. He said, "How about 'Come Monday'?" We did that, then did Garth Brooks' 'The Dance'. I wish I had had a way to record it. 1 Quote The fact there's a Highway To Hell and only a Stairway To Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers People only say "It's a free country" when they're doing something shitty-Demetri Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill5 Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 3 hours ago, Synthaholic said: It told me that the Grateful Dead didn't charge a lot of money to see them live. Then why were the groupie hippies bothering everyone in the world for ticket money? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djdisbro Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 13 hours ago, HSS said: Paul McCartney's tribute to Jimmy Buffett was impressive both in its length and content. RIP Jimmy. I hope you found that lost shaker of salt. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/paul-mccartney-pays-tribute-jimmy-204155085.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall And that Cheeseburger.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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