(New York) Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, known for the hit Margaritaville and turned that celebration of strolling into a billion-dollar empire, is no more. He was 76 years old.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1, surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” read a statement posted Friday evening on Buffett’s official website and social media pages. “He lived his life like a song until his last breath and he will be missed beyond measure by so many. »
Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane, his daughters, Savannah and Sarah, and his son, Cameron.
The statement does not specify where Buffett died or the cause of death. Illness had forced him to postpone his concerts in May. The principal concerned had admitted in publications on social networks that he had been hospitalized, without providing details of his health problems.
Tributes came on Saturday from all walks of life, from Hollywood star Miles Teller posting photos of himself with Buffett to former U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Buffett was “living to the fullest.” his life and that the world will miss him. »
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote, “Love and mercy, Jimmy Buffett. »
“Jimmy Buffet was an icon of American music who inspired generations to step back and enjoy life,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement, “He was what life was all about. ‘he showed on stage: full of joy and good will, using his talent to bring people together’.
“This is very sad news, a lovely man gone too soon,” British singer Elton John reacted on Instagram, “Jimmy Buffett was a unique and valuable artist.”
James William Buffett was born on Christmas Day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi and grew up in the port city of Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and went from busking on the streets of New Orleans to playing six nights a week in the clubs of Bourbon Street.
He recorded over 50 studio and live albums, often accompanied by his Coral Reefer Band, and was constantly on tour. He has earned two Grammy nominations and three more for country awards.
Margaritaville, released on February 14, 1977, is an unhurried portrait of a loafer on his porch, watching tourists sunbathe while a pot of shrimp begins to boil.
The song from the album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number 8. The song was inducted into the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame in 2016 for its cultural and historical significance.
The song quickly inspired restaurants and resorts, turning Buffett’s alleged desire for the simplicity of island living into a multi-million dollar brand. He reached number 18 on the Forbes list of the richest celebrities of all time, with a net worth of $1 billion.
The evolution of the Buffett brand began in 1985 with the opening of a series of Margaritaville-themed stores and restaurants in Key West, followed in 1987 with the first nearby Margaritaville Café. Over the next two decades, several more establishments opened in Florida, New Orleans, and California.
The brand has since expanded into dozens of categories, including resorts, men’s and women’s apparel and footwear, a radio station, a beer brand, iced tea, tequila and rum, home decor, food products like salad dressing, Margaritaville Crunchy Pimento Cheese
Buffett is also the author of numerous books, including Where Is Joe Merchant? and A Pirate Looks At Fifty. He has also appeared in films and television series, in roles often referring to his great success.
