Jimmy Buffett, a singer and businessman best known for his hit “Margaritaville” that launched a themed restaurant and hotel chain, has died. He was 76.
TO opinion Late Friday, he said on his website and social media: “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 until his last breath and will be missed immensely by so many.”
A cause of death is not yet known.
Buffett was born on December 25, 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi and initially pursued a career as a country singer. After graduating from college, he moved to Nashville. He began working with a cover band before deciding to focus on his solo music.
It wasn’t until the early 1970s that Buffett received his first record deal and later released his debut album entitled Down to earthHowever, it didn’t grab many people’s attention.
Shortly thereafter, when he moved to Key West, Florida, he adopted the laid-back beach bum persona he is most known for today. Around this time he signed with ABC-Dunhill Records and released White sports coat and a pink crustacean in 1973 – the album that put him on the map.
But it wasn’t until he released his sixth album that Changes in latitudes, changes in settingsIn 1977 he began to attract a mainstream audience. Especially because it included his hit “Margaritaville.” The following year he dropped out Son of a sailor’s sonwhich contained another of his most successful songs, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”.
Buffett’s other popular titles include “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere,” “Come Monday,” “Volcano” and “It’s My Job,” to name a few. He has also collaborated with other artists over the years, from Zac Brown Band on “Knee Deep” to Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and George Strait on “Hey Good Lookin’.”
In total, Buffett has released dozens of albums and headlined more than 40 concert tours over the course of his more than 50-year career. 13 of his songs reached the Billboard Hot 100 list, including “Margaritaville” in the top 10 hits.
After seeing how successful his beach bum image was, Buffett decided to expand his brand and become not only an artist but also a businessman. He released several books, beach-themed clothing, a Margaritaville restaurant chain, hotels, resorts and more.
In addition to music, the musician has also appeared in television and film projects over the years, including Jurassic world, Billionaire Boys Club, Hawaii Five-0 And Blue blood.
Earlier this year, Buffett canceled some appearances after revealing that he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. “Two days ago I had just returned from a trip to the Bahamas, recovering from the “winter tour” of California and looking for Charleston. I had to stop in Boston for a checkup but ended up back in the hospital to sort out some issues that needed immediate attention,” he says shared on social media by the time. “Aging is not for wimps, I promise you.”
Buffett is survived by his wife Jane Slagsvol and their three children Savannah, Sarah and Cameron.
