Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, creator of the iconic song “Margaritaville,” has died. He was 76.
The news was released via the singer’s social media accounts and website on Saturday afternoon with the statement reading he was away on Friday night “surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs”.
The statement did not reveal a cause of death, but back in May Buffett had to reschedule some concerts due to an illness that led to him being hospitalised. The statement adds that he: “lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
The “Margaritaville” song, released in 1977, became an anthem for aging beach bums and getting blotto. Along with putting Key West, Florida on the map, it spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart along with being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.
The song inspired a multi-million brand of restaurants and resorts with Buffett having a net worth of USD$550 million. Other songs he created included the likes of “Come Monday” and “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” and earned him a fanbase called Parrotheads.
He performed on more than 50 studio and live albums, often accompanied by his Coral Reefer Band. Buffet has a surprisingly extensive filmography, though admittedly mostly plays himself.
Music-wise, he wrote the soundtrack for, co-produced and played a role in the 2006 film “Hoot” and wrote songs for films like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Urban Cowboy,” “FernGully: The Last Rainforest,” and “Summer Rental”.
Actor wise, he played a shoe-stealing pirate in Spielberg’s “Hook,” a 727 pilot in “Congo,” an agent in “Repo Man,” an armless man in “Cobb,” a police captain in “Billionaire Boys Club,” a journalist in “From the Earth to the Moon,” and as a “Jurassic World” visitor trying not to spill margaritas whilst running away from dinosaurs.
He also had a recurring role on the “Hawaii Five-0” reboot and played himself in various films and series, including “The Beach Bum,” “Rancho Deluxe,” “FM,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Blue Bloods,” and “Time & Again”.
Buffett is survived by his wife, Jane; and three children.
Source: Twitter, Sydney Morning Herald
