By: Andrew Collins '25
Singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett passed away on September 1, at his residence in Sag Harbor, New York.
At the time of his passing, Buffett was 76 years old and had been battling Merkel cell skin cancer for the past four years. Despite his health struggles, Buffett continued to share his music with fans, with his last performance taking place on July 2nd, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
“It's really sad that we lost another legend, but it is pretty remarkable that he didn't let cancer stop him from performing. He kept going and giving us his music. It shows how dedicated he was to his fans and continuing to perform. He really loved what he did and you can hear it in his music," NHS junior Jeremy Barber said.
“Since those early days and all through the decades, Jimmy’s fans became a big, boisterous family. Thank you for creating the world’s most joyful community. The smile that Jimmy beamed at you from the stage was sparked by your spirit. I think that’s why he loved performing so much,” Jane Slagsvol said on JimmyBuffett.com.
Throughout his career, Buffett's fan base, widely known as "Parrot Heads," consistently filled concert venues, becoming a big part of his career. The name was coined from the fan’s enjoyment of Buffett’s tropical and cheerful genre of music. They embraced this by wearing vibrant shirts, leis, and incorporating parrot-themed items into their outfits. The support of his fans motivated Buffett to keep making music until the time of his passing.
“Not only did his fans play a huge role in his career, but he played a big role in our [The fans] life as well. His songs were able to reach the right audience, people who just wanted something to listen to while relaxing. No deeper meaning or anything like that, just something that sounds like a vacation,” NHS freshman Elizabeth Collins said.
One of Jimmy Buffett's more popular songs, "Margaritaville," proved to be his highest-selling record, collecting over 20 million copies sold. Released in 1977 as part of the album "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," "Margaritaville" marked a milestone in Buffett’s career, helping to establish him as a well-known figure in the music industry.
While Jimmy Buffett is primarily recognized for his musical contributions, the majority of his overall earnings are accounted for from his business empire. In 1985, Buffett established his first restaurant inspired by his song "Margaritaville," in Key West Florida. After the success of his location in Key West, he franchised the restaurant, along with creating new restaurants based on songs such as “It's 5 o'clock somewhere,” and "Cheeseburger in Paradise." These restaurants are located anywhere from Times Square New York City, New York, to Ontario, Canada. Additionally, he expanded his business portfolio to include hotels, casinos, and retirement communities.
At the time of his passing, Buffett's net worth was estimated to be over 1 billion dollars, with the majority of his wealth attributed to his business ventures. His type of music allowed him to create a brand that made him more than a musician.
“The fact that he is not only a great musician, but also a great businessman is amazing.
With a net worth of one billion that puts him over many of the most famous celebrities in the world right now. The legacy that he leaves behind goes far beyond music,” NHS sophomore Jeff Prout said.
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