Rock and country legend Jimmy Buffett passes away at 76
Rock and country fans were saddened this past week to learn that music legend Jimmy Buffett died at the age of 76.
CNN reported that a statement was posted to Buffett's social media accounts early on Saturday morning which announced his passing.
Buffett struggled for years with cancer
"Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," it read.
— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) September 2, 2023
The statement went on to declare that Buffett "lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many."
CNN noted that Buffett had continued to tour despite suffering from Merkel cell skin cancer for a period of four years prior to his death.
Singer "popularized a signature blend of folk, country and Caribbean music"
An obituary posted to Buffett's official website recalled how the singer had "a recording career that spanned more than fifty years and included hits such as 'Margaritaville,' 'Come Monday,' and 'It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.'"
The website stressed that he "was one of the most successful performers in popular music" who "filled arenas with fans who called themselves 'Parrot Heads.'"
He also "popularized a signature blend of folk, country and Caribbean music with lyrics that often reflected Buffett’s world travels."
The obituary stated that Buffett had incorporated real life experiences into his music, including getting shot at by Jamaican police, being lost in the Sahara Desert, and meeting smugglers in the Florida Gulf Coast.
Despite often writing "upbeat party songs," Buffett also came out with "thoughtful ballads that showed the influence of Texas songwriters such as Jerry Jeff Walker and Canadian Gordon Lightfoot."
Paul McCartney calls Buffett "be one of the kindest and most generous people"
Tributes to Buffett quickly appeared on social media, including from both fans as well as fellow musicians such as Paul McCartney.
It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.
I remember once on holiday when I had forgotten to bring my guitar and was… pic.twitter.com/k5B6xgpAh7
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) September 2, 2023
"It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them," McCarthy wrote. "I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people."
