The news of Jimmy Buffett’s passing last Friday hit me hard. I am a lifelong fan of his music, especially his more reflective songs and ballads. His music brought so much joy to so many. It also got me through some very hard times in my life.
I purchased his box set Boats, Beaches, Bars and Ballads right around the time when my marriage was falling apart and my mother was very ill. While my soulmate cat Feebee was my most important anchor during that time, Jimmy Buffett’s music was a close second. I listened to the four cd’s in the box set over and over again. Some days, they were the only thing that could calm me down. I still have a vivid memory of getting stranded at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, on the way to my mom’s funeral. I had missed my connecting flight, the next flight wasn’t until five hours later, and I was physically and mentally exhausted. I laid down in one of the very uncomfortable airport lounge chairs, put my headphones on and listened to Jimmy sing about beautiful places.
For most of my adult life, I’ve always turned to his music when I needed a lift. Even in the middle of a gloomy February day, his music could transport me to a Florida beach.
His music was also the soundtrack of so many happy times, whether it was hanging out by the pool with friends, singing along (badly) at the top of my voice while driving somewhere, and visits to South Florida, including the original Margaritaville restaurant on Key West in the 1980’s, and more recently his Margaritaville resort in Hollywood.
Our world is a little bit darker without his bright light in it. Thank you for the music, Jimmy.
We have one more album to look forward to. Equal Strains on All Parts will be released on November 3. This is one of the songs on the album that was just released. Paul McCartney explains the significance of the phrase “Bubbles Up” in his beautiful tribute to Jimmy Buffett.
It always amazed me how Jimmy Buffett could combine a sense of spirituality with physical comfort in the pure enjoyment of life. When in Florida in the 70s, I couldn’t get enough and was blessed I could be down there when he introduced himself and his creative genius to the world. Through the years, he has always lifted my spirits and remains as a very special artist in so many ways.
It must have been amazing to be in Florida in the 70’s, Julie.
Love Jimmy’s music. Went to his resaurant in Florida many,many years ago. His music always make me smile.Love the BUBBLES UP video. He was a great Christian and his verses in many of his songs showed it.
Terrible loss for the entire world. I have not cried for a celebrity since John Lennon died. The tears still come when reading the stories of his life. I feel like I lost a family member. Yet his music will be with us forever to help us navigate the rough waters of life. Thanks Jimmy! You are truly loved!
I feel the same way, Deborah. I can’t ever recall being this sad about a celebrity passing away. I tear up every time his photo comes up on my Facebook feed. I’m so grateful that we’ll always have the music.
Isn’t something, how music can help us through out our lives! Buffet was good.
Grayson, Milo, Hamish & Nan
I have been a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett for many years. His songs always made me smile. May he rest in peace.
I feel the same way about his music. It always lifted me up when I needed it. But it was also a backdrop to a lot of good times in my life. Every time he would come to town with a concert, I always wanted to go, but no one would ever take me.