Feb 3 1959 is known as the day the music died. We lost Richie Valens, the big bopper and Buddy Holly that day but Sept 1 2023 will always be the day the music died for me.
James William Buffett better known as Jimmy has set sail. Jimmy was an American poet, a rock star, an environmentalist, businessman, author, pilot, an icon. Jimmy has inspired a way of life millions of parrot heads live by including me. From massive pre concert tailgate parties to playing benefit concerts for hurricane relief, the gulf oil spill ect to setting up a foundation in Florida to save the manatees. The man did it all.
This past Saturday morning I woke up to multiple texts that Jimmy had passed away the night before. It is truly a sad day for parrot heads, music and humanity in general. To honour Jimmy I set my pirate flag at half mast and played his music for the day ( that’s not much different than most days) while enjoying a couple margaritas.
Most people aren’t aware that Jimmy has strong Canadian roots. His grandfather was from Cape Breton. As a young man his grandfather signed up to work as a sailor and travelled the world. Eventually becoming the captain of his own ship and settling in Mississippi. Jimmy’s father worked for the army corps of engineers and was also a sailor. Hence one of Jimmy’s classic songs “ son of a son of a sailor”. Jimmy still has relatives in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and was known to quietly return frequently to fish, surf, play and explore. He was also know to do impromptu concerts on the Canadian east coast while visiting. As Jimmy was quoted as saying “ I have more relatives in Canada than I do in the U.S”.
If you aren’t aware of the whole Parrot head culture do yourself a favour. Go onto you tube and look up “tailgate party Jimmy Buffett show”. It will give you an idea of the happenings prior to Jimmy’s concerts. However the whole movement is about much more than just partying and concerts. It’s also about learning a slower way of life. Island style. It’s about family, philanthropy, good food and best of all, great music! I’ve seen Most of rocks biggest names but Jimmy’s concerts are in a class by themselves. You ain’t going to this concert to spectate. It’s a full experience.
I’m going to leave you with a few pictures from Jimmy’s New Year’s Eve concert 2016 in Nashville and a quote from Jimmy. In the song “ bama breeze he envisions the owner lulu ( which happens to be his sisters nickname) getting up on the stage at the fictitious bar ( purported to be loosely based on the famous florabama) and singing Lynyrd Skynyrds free bird, giving a toast to Ronnie and the boys”. After all the songs and toasts you’ve given to your fans Jimmy over the years this one’s for you.
Fins up! Sail on sailor. Thanks for everything.
