Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
'Margaritaville' Singer Jimmy Buffett Dies At 76
Jimmy Buffett smiles down at the crowd while performing during 2022 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans.
(
Erika Goldring
/
Getty Images
)
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, whose 1977 breakthrough hit "Margaritaville" encapsulated the easy-going beach lifestyle, died Friday night at the age of 76.
What we know
A statement was released on Buffett's official website and social media pages.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” it reads. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Support for LAist comes from
— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) September 2, 2023
The cause of death has not been released.
In May, the singer took to social media to announce the rescheduling of a series of concerts after being hospitalized.
"Growing old is not for sissies, I promised you," he wrote.
The Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band concert at Credit One Stadium in Charleston scheduled for this Saturday May 20th is being rescheduled. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date once announced. More information will be emailed to ticket purchasers… pic.twitter.com/ljKJ06hbiA
— Jimmy Buffett (@jimmybuffett) May 18, 2023
Buffett's top hit: Margaritaville
Buffett's most defining song is an anthem of laid-back, good-nature beach bum living. Nevertheless, "Margaritaville" was written in Austin, Texas, after a meal at a Mexican restaurant.
Support for LAist comes from
"It's been a pretty good song," Buffett told the Austin Chronicle in an interview. "[I]t was written in five minutes about a hot day in Austin, Texas, with a margarita and a beautiful woman. I finished it in Key West. I had no idea."
The song topped Billboard's Easy Listening chart, and was ranked No. 14 in Billboard's Pop Singles year-end chart in 1977.
In 2016, the song was induced into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Go deeper:
- Jimmy Buffett, who sang of wastin' away in 'Margaritaville', dies at 76 (AP via NPR)
- Jimmy Buffett: 15 Essential Songs (Rolling Stone)
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake. -
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
Best of LAist