Jimmy Buffett was an American musician and singer-songwriter. He was famous for his tropical rock music, embodying an "island escapism" lifestyle that celebrated life and passion. His hit songs, known as "The Big 8," included classics like "Margaritaville," "Come Monday," "Fins," and more. Beyond music, he ventured into various businesses, including the Margaritaville restaurant chain, and amassed a net worth of $1 billion. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 76 on 1st September 2023 due to Merkel-cell carcinoma, leaving behind his final studio album, "Equal Strain on All Parts," set for release in November 2023.
Jimmy Buffett Family Details
Jimmy Buffett was born on December 25, 1946. He hailed from Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA. He spent his childhood in Mobile, Alabama, and later settled in Fairhope, Alabama. He held American nationality and had an American-White ethnicity. His birth name was James William Buffett. About his family, he was born to his mother, Mary Lorraine (née Peets), and his father, James Delaney Buffett Jr. He tragically lost his father on May 1, 2003, at 83, followed by his mother's passing four months later on September 25, at the age of 82. He also had a sister named Laurie Buffett. He celebrated his 76th birthday for the last time in 2022.
Buffett's education journey began at St. Ignatius School, where he showcased his musical talent by playing the trombone in the school band. He graduated from McGill Institute for Boys in 1964 and pursued higher studies at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1969. During his university years, he joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Jimmy Buffett Music Career
- After graduating in 1969, Jimmy Buffett began his musical journey by performing on Decatur Street in New Orleans and playing at the Bayou Room nightclub on Bourbon Street.
- In 1970, he moved to Nashville to pursue a country music career but ended up working as an editorial assistant for Billboard.
- He signed a two-album contract with Barnaby Records, releasing "Down to Earth" in 1970. However, the masters for his second album were lost.
- In 1971, he moved to Key West after an audition at the Exit/In in Nashville, where he met fellow musician Jerry Jeff Walker. There, he immersed himself in the literary scene and played at the Chart Room Bar in the Pier House Motel.
- In 1973, Buffett signed with ABC/Dunhill Records and released "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean."
- He formed the Coral Reefer Band in 1975 and released hits like "Margaritaville."
- Buffett's career continued to flourish, and he achieved chart success with albums like "Son of a Son of a Sailor" and "Volcano."
- In 1996, an incident in Jamaica inspired his song "Jamaica Mistaica." Buffett continued to release albums, including "License to Chill," which topped the U.S. pop albums chart in 2004.
- In 2005, he signed an agreement with Sirius Satellite Radio to broadcast Radio Margaritaville.
- His 2006 album, "Take the Weather with You," reached number 1 on the country chart.
- In August 2007, he was nominated for the Country Music Association Awards' Event of the Year Award for his song "Hey Good Lookin'," featuring Alan Jackson and George Strait, and he also received a star on the Mohegan Sun Walk of Fame.
- In April 2010, a double CD of performances recorded during the 2008 and 2009 tours called Encores was released exclusively at Walmart, Walmart.com, and Margaritaville.com.
- He was named the tenth biggest touring artist of the decade in 2010, with 4.5 million ticket sales over the previous 10 years.
- Buffett collaborated with the Zac Brown Band on the song "Knee Deep" in 2010, which was certified platinum in September 2017.
- He voiced Huckleberry Finn on Mark Twain: Words & Music in November 2011 and released Songs from St. Somewhere in August 2013.
- In 2020, he released Songs You Don't Know by Heart, and his 32nd studio album, Equal Strain on All Parts, was scheduled for release in November 2023.
- Buffett performed his final full concert in San Diego on May 6, 2023, with two additional unannounced guest appearances in June and July before his passing.
- As an author, Buffett wrote three books - "Tales from Margaritaville", "Where Is Joe Merchant?" and the memoir "A Pirate Looks at Fifty".
- Also an actor, Jimmy made cameo appearances in Repo Man, Hook, Cobb, Hoot, Congo, and From the Earth to the Moon. He had an extended cameo playing himself in the Harmony Korine film "The Beach Bum" in 2019.
Jimmy Buffett Wife
Jimmy Buffett, a married man, tied the knot with his second wife, Jane Slagsvol, on August 27, 1977, and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Savannah Jane and Sarah Delaney, with Sarah's name chosen in tribute to her grandfather. The couple also welcomed a son, Cameron Marley. Despite a period of separation in the 1980s, Jane and Jimmy reconciled in 1991 and continued to lead a happy family life until Jimmy's passing in 2023. Before his marriage to Jane, Jimmy Buffett was previously married to Margie Washichek from 1969 to 1971.
Jimmy Buffett Death
In May 2023, Jimmy Buffett was hospitalized to address immediate health concerns and rescheduled tour dates. By late August, he entered hospice care, sharing a final gathering with loved ones during which he left his sister with the parting words "have fun." On September 1, 2023, at the age of 76, Buffett passed away at his Sag Harbor, New York home, succumbing to complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma, an aggressive skin cancer he had battled for four years. He spent his final moments surrounded by family, friends, his music, and his beloved dogs.
Jimmy Buffett Net Worth
Jimmy Buffett, the renowned singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman, had an estimated net worth of $1 billion at the time of his death. His annual income surpassed $60 million and his main income source was from his music career. He embraced life to the fullest until his passing, amassing an impressive portfolio featuring over 20 real estate properties, 8 cars, and 6 luxury yachts, a testament to his lavish lifestyle. Among his luxury sports cars were the Bugatti Divo, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Ferrari GTC4, and Bentley Continental GT. His sprawling 14,500-square-foot mansion was acquired for $18 million.
Jimmy Buffett Eyes
Jimmy Buffett, a handsome musician of his era, stood at a perfect height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 centimeters) with a slim physique weighing 70 kilograms (154.5 pounds). His striking appearance featured gray hair, captivating blue eyes, and a distinctive style characterized by sailor suits, sunglasses, and vacation attire.
