Keeping his island spirit alive.
The legendary Jimmy Buffett passed away late last Friday, September 1 at the age of 76, after a private 4-year battle with Merkel cell skin cancer.
His daughter Delaney recently paid tribute to her late father, saying that the iconic singer told his family not to be sad or scared, but to keep the party going:
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Well that’s exactly what they’re doing, because just a week after his passing, three new Jimmy Buffett songs have been released to keep the party – and the laid-back Margaritaville-inspired lifestyle Buffett created – alive.
The first is “Like My Dog,” a humorous song that’s classic Buffett, about a man who just wants his woman to love him like his dog does.
The second, and one that could become a fan-favorite for Parrotheads, is “My Gummie Just Kicked In.” This one’s a rocking island tune about what happens when the gummy finally hits…
And the third is “Bubbles Up,” which almost seems like a message from Buffett to himself and all those around them as he prepared to embark on his next journey.
All three of the songs are exactly what you’d expect from Jimmy Buffett, and with a catalog as deep as his, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are quite a few more songs hidden away in the vault that eventually get released.
After all, we’ve got to keep the party going somehow.
Tributes Have Been Pouring In
As news of his passing spread, many took to social media to pay tribute to the pirate whose songs played such a huge part in the soundtrack of our lives.
Kenny Chesney, who had a close friendship with Buffett and had appeared with him many times over the years, shared a touching tribute of himself on a quiet beach singing Buffett’s song “A Pirate Looks At Forty.”
And Alan Jackson, whose duet with Buffett on “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is one of his most well-known hits, shared a photo of himself and Buffett holding their CMA Awards for Vocal Event of the Year that they won for the collaboration:
Blake Shelton also paid tribute to Buffett, revealing that the song for his new TV game show Barmageddon was actually written by Buffett:
And the Oak Ridge Boys, who recorded two songs with Buffett, also paid their respects, with Joe Bonsall also adding his own tribute with “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”
Many other country stars also paid tribute to the legend who had such a major influence on the genre – and even more than music, on our culture.
Rest in peace, Jimmy. Enjoy your cheeseburger in paradise.
