KEY WEST, Florida (AP) — All of the world was “Margaritaville” on Saturday, from Key West to New York Metropolis and past, as legions of followers mourned the passing of beach-bum balladeer Jimmy Buffett on the age of 76.
Buffett’s eponymous hit music has lengthy been the anthem of Florida’s Key West, the place Buffett as soon as lived and constructed his enduring legacy.
“All people equates that music with our metropolis,” mentioned Clayton Lopez, a Key West metropolis commissioner. “I imply, while you say Margaritaville, you’re speaking in regards to the metropolis of Key West.”
The group deliberate a remembrance Sunday alongside Duval Road, dwelling to a few of Key West’s most well-known eateries and music venues, together with the Chart Room, a dive bar the place Buffett sang early in his profession.
“He’s doing one other present now, nevertheless it’s within the sky,” mentioned Jimmy Weekley, who owns Fausto, a restaurant that’s considered one of Key West’s landmarks.
Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys Information Bureau through AP
Buffett’s fandom was widespread, and tributes poured in Saturday.
President Joe Biden despatched condolences to Buffett’s household “and to the hundreds of thousands of followers who will proceed to like him at the same time as his ship now sails for brand new shores.” Former President Invoice Clinton wrote on X, previously Twitter, that Buffett’s “music introduced happiness to hundreds of thousands of individuals.” Brian Wilson of the Seaside Boys wrote: “Love and Mercy, Jimmy Buffett,” and Paul McCartney known as him “one of many kindest and most beneficiant folks.”
Matt Urben, a self-described Parrothead, as Buffett followers are recognized, and a Brooklyn resident, awoke to information of Buffett’s loss of life. He joined fellow followers in New York Metropolis to reminisce.
“I really acquired emotional,” mentioned Urben, 32, who mentioned he’d seen 48 Buffett live shows since his faculty days. “They had been actually particular and actually enjoyable. … Simply so many tales and so many reminiscences.”
Afterward, he and a buddy headed to the Margaritaville restaurant in Occasions Sq. — a part of the Buffett enterprise empire — which describes itself as “an island-inspired oasis in the course of New York Metropolis.”
When “Margaritaville” performed, Reid Johnson sang alongside. Certainly not a Parrothead, he mentioned, “I’m very aware of his music.”
Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys Information Bureau through AP
Jeanne Fetner had traveled from Northern Virginia along with her daughter Avery to go to schools in New York Metropolis when she heard the information. She went to Margaritaville to have fun Buffett, whose ode to a beef patty and bun, “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” is her favourite music.
Fetner recalled a go to to Key West years in the past on spring break.
“My pals and I went to Buffett’s home and rang the bell on his door,” Fetner recounted. Buffett’s daughter Savannah appeared and informed the group, “My dad can’t come out however he wished to thanks for coming,” she mentioned.
Tracy Smith, from Tampa, Florida, arrived on the Occasions Sq. restaurant along with her daughters in between Broadway exhibits.
“We made a visit right here to pay a tribute to Jimmy Buffett, too,” she mentioned whereas sipping on a margarita.
“I purchased all his music,” she mentioned, “I like him and I like his vibe. He makes folks completely happy.”
Calvan reported from New York Metropolis.