Jimmy Buffett, the singer-songwriter who drew millions of fans with his beach-bum tales and Caribbean capers, died Friday night. He was 76.
Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted to Buffett’s official website and social media pages said late Friday. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death.
Illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May and Buffett acknowledged in social media posts that he had been hospitalized, but provided no specifics.
Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Savannah and Sarah; and son, Cameron.
Buffett was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 1946. He began his musical career in Nashville, Tennessee, during the late 1960s as a country artist. However, he found little success and moved to Key West, Florida, in 1971.
In Key West, Buffett found his musical niche, blending folk, calypso, rock, and pop to create a unique sound that he dubbed “Tropical Rock”. His songs often celebrated the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean islands, and he quickly developed a cult following.
Buffett’s commercial breakthrough came in 1977 with the release of the album “Margaritaville”. The album’s title track became a massive hit, and it spawned a successful film and Broadway musical.
Buffett has continued to record and tour extensively throughout his career. He has released over 30 albums, and his songs have been covered by a wide range of artists. He has also written several books, including the best-seller “Tales from Margaritaville”.
In addition to his music career, Buffett has also been involved in a number of business ventures. He owns the Margaritaville restaurant chain, and he has also developed a line of clothing, drinks, and other merchandise.
Buffett was one of the world’s richest musicians, with a net worth of over $1 billion. He was also one of the most popular live performers in the world, and his concerts are always sell-outs.
Buffett was a cultural icon, and his music has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
He was a true American original, and his legacy will continue to inspire people for many years to come.
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