Jimmy Buffet depicts the saying, “Gone in the flesh, but alive in the legacy left behind.” Though he passed unto glory in September 2023, his legacy and works have immortalized him. Here are a few things to know about him.
Profile Summary
| Full name | James William Buffett |
| Nickname | Jimmy Buffet |
| Date of birth | December 25, 1946 |
| Died | September 1, 2023 |
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
| Place of birth | Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States |
| Nationality | United States |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Mother | Mary Loriane Buffett |
| Father | James Delaney “J.D.” Buffett, Jr. |
| Net Worth | $1 Billion |
Who was Jimmy Buffet?
Jimmy Buffet was an American singer-songwriter who, through his rock sounds, pioneered a lifestyle that was often described as “island escapism.” His song “Margaritaville” not only brought him to the spotlight but also skyrocketed him to stardom. He sold over 20 million certified records worldwide, placing him amongst the world’s best-selling music artists.
Buffet garnered many accolades, including two Grammy Award nominations. He had over 40 albums throughout his career and toured frequently. He passed away on September 2023 at age 76. In 2024, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category.
Jimmy Buffet’s Early Life and Career
James William Buffett, who was professionally known as Jimmy Buffet, was born on 25 December 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States, into the family of James Delaney “J.D.” Buffett, Jr. and Mary Loriane Buffett. He grew up in Mobile, Alabama and attended St. Ignatius Catholic High School, where he reportedly first discovered his passion for music at age 8. Buffet played the trombone in the school band, and when he left for college, he played guitar.
Upon graduation from college, he enrolled at Auburn University, where he honed his guitar skills. A Sigma Pi fraternity brother taught and mentored him to use his guitar skills to “garner attention from girls.” Due to distractions from girls and his overwhelming passion for music, he could not focus on his studies and eventually dropped out of Auburn University.
He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career as a country musician and landed his first record contract in 1970. Prior to that time, he had worked as a journalist for Billboard magazine but quit his job as a reporter. Buffet released his first folk-country debut, Down to Earth, later in 1970.
Buffet did many exploits in the music industry; however, he clinched his first professional music award after 30 years, which was in 2003. He was tapped by the Country Music Association for its Vocal Event of the Year for his duet with Alan Jackson on the hit “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” He received several other accolades before his demise in September 2023.
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Apart from music, Jimmy Buffet was also a business mogul who excelled exceedingly in his merchandise. He named his brand after his hit song Margaritaville Holdings LLC, a Cheeseburger Holding Company, LLC subsidiary. Since September 2012, his businesses have been spread across the United States, Canada, Mexico, six island locations throughout the Caribbean, and Sydney, Australia.
Jimmy Buffet’s Net Worth
Jimmy Buffett’s net worth was estimated to be $1 billion in 2023.
Jimmy Buffet’s Death
The iconic singer passed away in his home town on Friday, September 2023, at the age of 76. He reportedly died after battling Merkel cell cancer for years. A statement on his website announcing his death read, “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs.”He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.” the statement added.
