Jimmy Buffett: Island Escapism, Parrotheads, Restauranteur and Then Some

Author, actor, singer, songwriter, businessman and entertainer, all can be attributed to Jimmy Buffett, where the common denominator in each of these ventures is world wide fame and success. Synonymous with tropical concoctions, catchy lyrics and faraway equatorial destinations, Jimmy has captured the hearts, souls and "fins" of island escapists of every age. This influence would eventually mold the cunning term "parrothead" that describes Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band fanatics.

James William "Jimmy" Buffett, Jr. was born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Mobile Alabama. Jimmy attended grade school at St.Ignatius while taking part as an alter boy at the local church. Graduated from high school at McGill Institute for Boys in 1964, he would concluded his schooling at Auburn, eventually receiving his bachelor's degree in history at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1969. It was during his time at college that Jimmy took interest in music and learned to play the guitar. Performing in small gigs with friends while balancing academics became his custom. Upon graduating from college, Jimmy worked for Billboard Magazine in Nashville, Tennessee.

In between being married to Margie Washichek in 1969 then divorced in 1971. Getting remarried to sweetheart Jane Slagsvol, having two daughters named Sarah Delaney and Savannah Jane, eventually adopting a son Cameron Marley Jimmy began his musical career in Nashville, Tennessee as a country artist. His first album during this stage of his musical career was called "Down to Earth" which didn't fair very well. Jimmy relied alot on street performances or busking to make ends and grow musically. It was during this time that friend and fellow country music singer, Jerry Jeff Walker took Jimmy with him down to the Florida Keys to elevate his busking practices. From there the beach bum mentality, coastal and tropical lyrics, innuendos and persona took shape in what can be best described today as, a feeding frenzy of sorts for parrotheads.

Boats, Beaches, Bars and Ballads would provide the next wave of musical commitment and collaboration. Popular songs like Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude, Come Monday, Fins, Coconut Telegraph, Pirate Looks and Forty, Cheeseburger in Paradise and the parrothead anthem, simply titled, Margaritaville performed by Jimmy and his Coral Reefer Band would energize music lovers on a global scale.

Fans demanded more for their addiction and Jimmy delivered! Jimmy took to expanding his portfolio of accolades by writing books. Tales from Margaritaville, Where is Joe Merchant, Pirate Looks at Fifty, A Salty Piece of Land and latest contribution called Swine Not. Jimmy also ventured into children's books co-writing Jolly Mon ans Trouble Dolls with his eldest daughter, Savannah Jane.

Due to Jimmy's popularity and success as an author, singer and songwriter, this opportunistic icon took to business ventures. His touring prowess combined with restaurant and album sales bring in roughly 100 million dollars a year. He owns or licenses the Margaritaville and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant chains. In a cooperative effort with Anheuser- Busch, Jimmy launched his own beer under the Margaritaville label called Land Shark Lager. He also licenses under the Magaritaville label, footwear, Tequila and frozen shrimp entrees. If this weren't enough, Jimmy is part owner of two minor league baseball teams in the Fort Myers area.

His charitable contributions can not go without mention either. The Save the Manatee Club was founded by Jimmy and former Florida Governor Bob Graham in 1981. Jimmy has raised money by performing and dedicating his time to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana as well as establishing the "Hurricane Relief Fund" for victims hit hard by hurricanes in Florida, Alabama and the Caribbean. Recently, Jimmy put on a free concert on the shores of Alabama in response to the BP oil disaster. Jimmy also contributes financially by providing grants to local charities dealing with children and families, disenfranchised groups and environmental causes.

Jimmy's success, though exuberant and perennial had never landed him a number one song. Producing over 30 albums afforded him of 8 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi platinum albums. It wasn't til 2003 that he finally hit the number one claim to fame. His efforts with fellow Country Star Alan Jackson provided the spark for the winner of the Country Music Awards(CMA) Song, "It's Five O'clock Somewhere". In 2007, Jimmy was nominated for the CMA Event of the Year Award for his song, "Hey Good Lookin'" which featured the collective talents of country stars, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, George Strait and Clint Black. The popularity of his country music aspirations have only cemented his accomplishment as a true musical genius. Combined with his business savvy, diverse and creative talents that both young and old can relate to and be envious of, Jimmy has truly captured every aspect of the entertainment industry.

Sit back, relax at that One Particular Harbor sipping on a cold Beer while eating a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Margaritaville...FINS UP!^^^^^^^^