Siraj Iddris
Jimmy Buffett who was born on December 25, 1946 and died on September 1, 2023 is a late American singer-songwriter who brought paradise to the world with his tropical rock music. Jimmy Buffett is a legendary figure in the music industry as he left an indelible mark on the world with his unique blend of tropical rock music which often portrayed a lifestyle described as “island escapism” Known for his laid-back style and catchy tunes, Buffett’s music transported listeners to a world of sun-soaked beaches, swaying palm trees, and carefree living. He is known for hit songs such as Volcano (1979), Cheeseburger in Paradise (1977), Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977) among others. He was signed to a number of record labels including Atlantic records and RCA records. By time of his death, he had over 30 albums to his credit.
He is also a serial entrepreneur who was known for his “island escapism” chain of business which included ventures in hotels, restaurants, casinos, liquor. Among all, the most widely-known is his Margaritaville restaurant chain.
In this article, we will explore the life and musical career of Jimmy Buffett, celebrating his contributions to the music industry and the lasting impact of his tropical rock sound.
Jimmy Buffett Bio.
James Williams Buffett (December 25, 1946- September 1, 2023), who is known professionally as Jimmy Buffett was an American singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. He was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi but grew up in Alabama chiefly in the cities of Mobile and Fairhope. Growing up as the son of a US marines corp and as the grandson of a Steamship captain, Jimmy was exposed to the ocean and sailing life which shaped and influenced his music. He decided to pursue music after he witnessed an incredible music performance at Biloxi, Mississippi. He started appearing in small performances where he was the stella guitar player. He was later enrolled in a music school where he learned to play the trombone as part of the school band. He was a Caucasian man and was a catholic by faith and even served as an altar boy. He was enlisted to serve in the Vietnam war but couldn’t make it due to a failed physical exam. At the time of his death, he was also one of the world’s richest musicians. He was also an author who published several New York Times best-selling books.
Educational Background.
He was enrolled at the St. Ignatius School where learned music and played stella guitar as part of the school band. He attended high school at the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Alabama where he graduated in 1964. After high school graduation, he was enrolled at the Auburn University where he learned how to play guitar. He however dropped out of Auburn University in 1966. After a while, he enrolled again at the Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi and finally graduated at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in history in 1969.
Parents and Siblings.
He was the first child of the late James Delaney Buffett Jr. who died in May 2003 and the late Mary Lorraine who died in September 2003. His father was a member of the United States Army Corps of Engineers whereas his mother was a civil servant. He was not an only child and was blessed with two siblings by the names of Laurie and Lucy. Laurie was born in 1948 whereas Lucy was born in1953. Both are reportedly alive.
Wives.
Buffett married his first wife and University sweetheart, Margie Washichek in 1969 but their union was short-lived as they divorced in 1972, three years after their marriage without conceiving any child. Following their divorce, he married his second wife, Jane Slagsvol at Aspen, Colorado in 1977. They broke up in the early 1980s and came back in 1991 and remained together until his death in 2023.
Children.
He was blessed with two daughters and an adopted son. His daughters are Savannah Jane Buffett, an American radio personality who was born on June 1, 1979 and Sarah Delaney, a filmmaker who was born in 1992. Their adopted son goes by the name of Cameron Marley and was born in 1994.
Career.
His career was nothing short of remarkable and lengthy. His career spanned over five decades. Growing up in Alabama, where he had most of his education, he always wanted to pursue a career in music and create his own unique sound. The first step in his professional journey was after college when he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, which was a hotbed for country singers at that time to pursue his music career. He did a couple of jobs and did a couple of music in Nashville. But he secured his first record contract in 1970 after working with a cover band called “The Now Generation”. During that same year, he released his first folk-country music “Down to Earth” followed by his next single “High Cumberland Jubilee” which gained no traction after selling just 324 copies.
In 1971, he went on an expedition to Key West and loved the business climate there so much that he moved there in 1972. While in Key West, he was hired as a singer at the Chart Room Bar in the Pier House Motel where he met his second wife, Jane.
In 1973, he signed a record label deal with ABC Dunhill. Under ABC Dunhill, he released the album “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean”. The album featured songs such as “Grapefruit-Juicy Fruit”, “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” among others.
In 1974, he released his album “Living & Dying ¾ Time”. The Album featured his first Billboard chart-topping single “Come Monday” which he dedicated to his then girlfriend, Jane.
In 1975, he formed a band called the Coral Reefer Band”. In 1997, he achieved major breakthrough for his hit single “Margaritaville” He released a couple of song over the subsequent years and in 1985, he released a compilation album titled “Songs You Know By Heart”. The album sold over 7 million copies and was his best-selling album.
In 1994, he collaborated with American singer Frank Sinatra on a cover of “Mack the Knife” which was featured on Sinatra’s final album “Duets II”.
After his plane was mistakenly shot by Jamaican police whilst on a trip to Jamaica, he released the song “Jamaica Mistaica” to address the situation in 1996. The song was featured on his Banana Wind album which was released that same year.
In 1998, he released an album of songs based on Herman Wouk’s novel “Don’t Stop the Carnival”. The album attained a gold certification.
In 1999, he received backlash for his song titled “Math Suks” which was called out for inciting math phobia in children.
In the 21st century, he continued enjoying his musical grace. For instance, in 2003, he collaborated with Alan Jackson on the song titled “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” which charted at Hot country Songs chart spending 8 weeks in total.
In 2004, he released his album “License to Chill”. The albums peaked at number 1 on the US pop albums chart and sold over 230 thousand copies.
In 2006, he released the album “Take the Weather with You” which was number 1 on the country charts. He attained major milestones over the subsequent years and was acknowledged for his work.
His Final album which was his 32nd album “Equal Strains on All Parts” is set to release in November 2023.
Death.
He died on September 1, 2023 at his house in Sag Harbor, New York due to a four-years battle with Merkel-cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer.
Net Worth.
Jimmy was one of the richest musicians in the world. At the time of his death, he was reportedly worth $1 billion. He amassed this hefty fortune over his five decades-long journey as a singer-songwriter, author, entrepreneur among others. He also had other private investments which yielded him huge income.
Trivia.
| Info | Answer |
| Full Name | James Williams Buffett |
| Stage Name | Jimmy Buffett |
| Profession(s) | Singer-songwriter, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Date of Birth | December 25, 1946 |
| Date of Death | September 1, 2023 |
| Age at time of Death | 76 |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christian (Catholic) |
| Parents | James Delaney Buffett and Mary Lorraine |
| Siblings | Laurie and Lucy |
| Wives | Margie Washichek (m. 1969-1972), Jane Slavsgol (m. 1977-2023 |
| Children | Savannah Buffett, Sarah Delaney, Cameron Marley |
| Net Worth at Time of Death | $1 billion |
