Life's Adventures with Jimmy Buffett

The world recently marked the first anniversary of the death of animportant man in my life—a man who influenced my lifestyle for many years, whowas the reason FDW and I had a wide circle of friends, and a man who brought megreat joy with his music—Jimmy Buffett, December 25, 1946 – September 1, 2023.Born December 25, and in my opinion, a great gift to the world. 

My brother, who is twelve years younger than I am,introduced me to Parrothead mania in the seventies. It was instant love atfirst listen. The thing with Jimmy’s music is, it wasn’t widely played on theradio stations (which for you youngins’ is the way we found music

back then).He charted only 13 top 100 hits in his career. His first top 40 hit was ComeMonday in 1974. It’s one of the most beautiful love songs, in my opinion. And evenif you aren’t a Buffett Parrothead, I’m guessing you can sing at least a fewlines of Margaritaville, the ultimate Parrothead party song. In fact, it’s knownas the Parrothead National Anthem.

I can’t begin to count how many Jimmy Buffett concerts I’ve enjoyedin Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Alpine Valley (WI), Los Angeles, andAtlanta. But I’ve seen a bunch. They aren’t just concerts. If you never experienceda Parrothead gathering for a Buffett concert, I can’t begin to explain whatthey are. That would be a whole post in itself. 

When FDW and I left Arizona for Minnesota, we were entrenchedin Parrotheadism, but had no idea how much deeper we would dive. After nearly ayear in Minnesota, we were still without friends. We were both in managementpositions, so mingling with office staff was touchy. We’d never been regular church-goingpeople, so we didn’t have that way to meet people. We really didn’t want to dothe bar scene which we’d never been
into. But I did suggest maybe we should andstart “picking-up” friends in random bars. We thought about joining some sortof club. FDW did some research and discovered St. Minnesomeplace in Paradise, aParrothead club. And life got so much better. We gained a circle of friendsthat have lasted decades even though we left Minnesota and are back in Arizona.While in Minnesota, we raised tons of money for charity, true to the Buffettphilosophy. And we partied with a purpose, which was charity, but wow did weparty. Jimmy Buffett promoted a lifestyle, and we Parrotheads were on board. 

It's been a year since his passing. When he passed, part ofmy past went with him, part of my heart went with him, my soul ached. Becausehe was so much more than a singer, than a man. He inspired generations ofParrotheads.

I haven’t listened to his music since he died. I know Ishould find joy in his legacy, and I should dance like no one is watching. Butnot yet. Each and every one of his songs sparks a memory. Yes, they are happymemories, but without him, I just get sad.

That said, thank you, Jimmy Buffett, for being you. Yourmessage is one of joy and heartfelt soulful philosophy. I’ll find a way to tunein, to listen, again. In time.