Jimmy Buffett never met a beach, a boat, or a margarita he didn’t like.
The singer/songwriter turned his tunes about casual days spent barefoot on a beach with some sort of beverage in hand into a net worth of $1 billion. Even with his riches, Buffett kept his everyman charm, performing his concert barefoot and popping up as a guest on various songs and at his resorts and restaurants.
Jimmy’s zest for life included a huge appetite for food and drink.
Think what you will, but can you ever have a margarita without thinking of Jimmy Buffett? How many times have you ordered a cheeseburger while in your mind thinking, “I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57, and French fried potatoes”? As they say: Jimmy lives rent-free inside all of our heads.
And long before Swifties, there were Parrotheads — Jimmy Buffett’s loyal, over-the-top, fan base. I remember going to see him in concert and passing Parrotheads who set up entire tiki bars in the parking lot of the arena. My friend Hannah and I were partially inebriated before getting into the building thanks to friendly fans who made it a point to share their Landshark beers and margaritas.
On September 1, 2023, Jimmy Buffett died, “surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs”.
To celebrate Jimmy Buffett, the Florida Legislature has designated August 30 as “Jimmy Buffett Day” as a day of service. The late singer’s website lists several charities he was involved with, mostly for the preservation of the oceans he so loved.
Margaritaville Resorts said the day will support Buffett’s Singing for Change and other organizations. All Margaritaville resorts will also host weekend-long celebrations of Buffett’s legacy including cocktail-making classes, pop-up “Cheeseburger in Paradise” restaurants, special brunches, and live music.
If you want to celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day, you don’t have to be in Florida, nor do you have to head out to a Margaritaville Resort.
Simply invite a friend over, mix up a pitcher of margaritas, turn up the music (Spin Magazine ranked all of Jimmy’s albums for your listening pleasure), take off your shoes, and enjoy the last unofficial weekend of summer.
Here’s a perfect margarita recipe to get you started, courtesy of the Algonquin Hotel in New York City
Linger On Margarita
Ingredients:
· 1.5 ounces of Casamigos
· 1 ounce Cointreau
· 1 ounce Grand Marnier
· 1 ounce lime juice
Directions: Shake and garnish with ginger and lime
"He lives rent free in our heads" Hahahah I love it!
I have a place in South Florida, near one of the first isles. We saw Jimmy many times when we crossed the bridge. Thanks for your writing. BTW, we have not been down there since 2019.