Joe Garza Photography Blog

The Margaritaville Dream of Jimmy Buffett's Island Lifestyle

Jimmy Buffett's Island Lifestyle

The world of Jimmy Buffett was filled with his music, palm trees swaying the wind and the soothing sounds coming from his 6 string guitar. Jimmy Buffett passed away on Sep. 1st in his home in Sag Harbor, NY surrounded by his family and friends. Jimmy was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, MS. Jimmy's death sent a shock wave thru the music and community. I have many amazing memories from his incredible concerts and meeting Jimmy Buffett in Norfolk, Virginia back in my military days. My military days were surrounded with his music every weekend as I headed to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Relaxing on the beaches at Cape Hatteras I'd listen to some of his popular songs such as "Come Monday", "Son of Son of a Sailor" and many more while I watched the beautiful sunrises and sunsets while the waves crashed into the shore. My island and tropical life was sparked from Jimmy's inspiration lifestyle.

Clear turquoise waters meet a white sand beach with two palm trees swaying in the wind. White clouds pass over the ocean. — Walking on the beaches of Aruba there are many amazing views that just say paradise. These palm trees with the Caribbean sea in the background was no exception. I had to capture this quiet perfect scene of tropical paradise.
Aruba Beaches | Tropical Island | Beach Pictures

Jimmy Buffett Songs You Know By Heart

"Margaritaville" | "Come Monday"

Jimmy Buffett i sunglasses on stage with guitar

Jimmy Buffett has a extensive list of songs known everywhere but it's these tunes known as “The Big 8″ that were hits and remain popular, “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.” "Margaritaville" is perhaps his most iconic song and popular hit that put his name in the spotlight. This song has become an anthem for those seeking a relaxed, beachside vibes. It's these songs and more we know by heart that we carry with our island, tropical travels.

Jimmy Buffett as an Author

Tales from Margaritaville | Salty Piece of Land

Black and white image of Jimmy Buffett sitting o a car in the 1970's.

Aside from his music career Jimmy Buffett is also known as accomplished author. He has written several books, including novels and memoirs. One of his most well-known books is "Tales from Margaritaville," a collection of short stories that tie into his musical themes and lifestyle. If your a Buffett fan I would highly recommend this book. Another book of Jimmy's I would recommend is called "Salty Piece Of Land". This novel is a sequel to a short story from Tales From Margaritaville.

What is a Parrothead?

Black and white image of Jimmy Buffett with a parrot on his shoulder.

One of Buffett's better known sites and sounds is not only his music and brand is the attracted devoted fan base known as "Parrotheads." The nickname was started in 1985 at a concert in Cincinnati, Ohio, where fans were carrying inflatable parrots and wearing Hawaiian shirts. Being a Parrothead means you are a fan of both Jimmy Buffett's music and the laid-back, beachy lifestyle he lived so largely.

I'm proud to be a Parrothead and the millions of others that follow Jimmy on his tours and public outings. Drawing large party crowds to his concerts was just a huge family gathering filled with laughter, blenders with frozen concoctions and more. Jimmy Buffett's work has left a significant mark on popular culture, particularly in the realm of beach and vacation-themed entertainment.

Jimmy Buffett's Life Behind the Scenes

Jimmy was a free spirted guy when he wasn't entertaining with concerts with his band "The Coral Reefer Band". He could be found sailing among the blue ocean waters of Key West or in the Caribbean fishing the flats. He could also be found relaxing on the beach in a hammock writing the words for next song. Jimmy spent his off time with his wife Jane (Slagsvol) Buffett and just chilling with his many dogs. Even before he died his music and fans were his life.

Jimmy Buffet's Last Public Appearance

Jimmyb Buffett on stage with Mac McAnally at his last public appearance.

He very last public appearance unknown to many was on July 2nd. His Coral Reefer Band friend Mac McAnally surprised patrons with a impromptu 45 minute set at the Sunset Cove in Portsmouth, Rhode Island with an intimate performance for a few hundred people. This turned out to be his last public performance. You can see this performance here. Jimmy Buffett's lifestyle was filled until the very end of his life.