Absolute legend Jimmy Buffett passed away last night after an undisclosed year-long health battle. The following notice was posted to his social media accounts hours ago:
Not only was Buffett a music icon, but a music-industry business pioneer as well, licensing his intellectual property for "Margaritaville" restaurants, casinos, hotels, and vacation clubs, and passing away with a net worth of $1 billion.
Born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Buffett kind of invented the "island escapism" music genre. A product of the Gulf Coast, Buffett's music uniquely blends country, rock, and pop genres, often imbued with tropical and coastal lyrical elements.
After his first album flopped, he moved to Key West, Florida, in the early 1970s and adopted the laid-back beachcomber persona for which he is famous. His most well-known song, "Margaritaville," released in 1977, captures this essence and has become a vacation anthem.
As mentioned above, Buffett was more than just a musician — he was a brand. As Jay Z might say, "He wasn't a businessman, he was a business, man." His ventures include Margaritaville restaurants and merchandise, LandShark Lager, and even retirement communities.
Buffett is also an accomplished author, having penned three number-one best-selling books, both fiction and non-fiction (a rarity among authors). His empire extends to radio, with his own SiriusXM channel, Radio Margaritaville, which showcases his music and lifestyle. He had also dabbled in acting and philanthropy.
Here's a legendary cameo from "Jurassic World" you didn't know about:
Buffett leaves behind his wife Jane and his three children — Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron.
"He lived his life like a song till the very last breath." RIP pirate.
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
