Jimmy Buffett Death: Five essentials songs from the American singer-songwriter

Jimmy Buffett, whose down-to-earth melodies celebrated his relaxed way of life, has passed away at the age of 76, as reported by his official website. His music inspired countless devoted fans and gave rise to a prosperous business empire. Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, and he was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He spent his upbringing in Mobile, Alabama, a port town. According to his website, he eventually relocated to Key West, Florida, where he discovered his true calling.

A friendly singer-songwriter known for his clever wordplay, Buffett paid little attention to pop music trends and never achieved chart-topping success or became a favorite on MTV. His unique "Gulf & Western" musical style blended elements of country and Caribbean music.

Here are Jimmy Buffett's five essential songs

“The Great Filling Station Holdup”
1973

The inaugural song on the 1973 album "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean" narrates a story of a heist at a gas station, resulting in a haul of $15, a can of motor oil, a jar of cashews, and a television.

“He Went to Paris”
1973

One of Buffett's most gripping and emotionally resonant narrative tunes, this song from his album "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean" unveiled early on that beneath Buffett's cheerful persona, there existed a surprising well of depth and substance.

“A Pirate Looks at Forty”
1974
Should any trace of a shadow in Buffett's repertoire be sought, it might be discovered in this widely-performed track from his fifth album, A1A.

“Margaritaville”
1977
This iconic song, which propelled a resort chain to fame and even inspired a brief stint as a Broadway musical, fundamentally carries a somber tone. The protagonist finds themselves in solitude by the beach, observing tourists, all the while lamenting a failed relationship. 

“Banana Republics”
1977
The renowned folk singer-songwriter Steve Goodman wrote and recorded this tune, exploring the lives of American expatriates savoring the benefits of imperialism in Latin America. In his lyrics, he vividly paints a picture of them "splurging those rebellious pesos" on a refreshing bottle of rum accompanied by a zesty lime. Buffett skillfully weaved Goodman's thought-provoking social commentary with a heartfelt blend of warmth and a genuine sense of connection.

Besides singing and song-writing, Buffett achieved considerable acclaim in the world of writing, with his novels "Tales from Margaritaville" and "Where is Joe Merchant?" along with his memoir "A Pirate Looks at Fifty" all achieving the coveted No. 1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. His creative talents extended beyond literature as he ventured into film and television, contributing to soundtracks and making cameo appearances, including his most recent one in Harmony Korine's 2019 comedy film, "The Beach Bum."