Dub’s Jimmy Buffett Tribute
This week on the playlist, I’ve got a Jimmy Buffett tribute. Like most of y’all, I was shocked this past Saturday when I woke up and saw Jimmy had passed away. Jimmy was one of those artists that you just couldn’t imagine not being around. It seemed like he was going to live forever, well at least we know his music will.
My dad was a Jimmy Buffett fan. And I was really introduced to his music when I was in high school. I borrowed my dad’s “Jimmy Buffett’s Greatest Hits” CD and I wore it out! That’s where my love for Jimmy’s music came from. His music just always makes me feel good. Every time I listen to Jimmy Buffett, I feel like I’m on vacation. Or I feel like I want to be on vacation.
Another thing I love about Jimmy is his Margaritaville restaurants. Any time I was around one, I would always make sure to go. I’ve been to Margaritavilles in Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Key West, and Nashville. By the way, if you ever get the chance to go to Margaritaville, get the “Cheeseburger In Paradise”. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.
Jimmy’s music made so many people feel good, and the way he lived his life should be an inspiration to all of us. Don’t waste a minute of of the life you’re given. If you want to learn more about Jimmy Buffett and dig more into his music, just click here.
To see more of the songs I’ve featured on Dub’s playlist, click here.
This is my Jimmy Buffett tribute, its one of my favorite songs from him. This one is called “Fins”.
Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney + More Pay Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
As we reported yesterday, Jimmy Buffett passed away on Friday night at the age of 76. Buffett’s official social media accounts posted the sad news on Saturday morning. “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
It was later reported that the cause of death was skin cancer.
President Biden and James Taylor
Among those paying tribute was A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another.
We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and…
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 2, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">President Biden. He wrote, “A poet of paradise, Jimmy Buffett was an American music icon who inspired generations to step back and find the joy in life and in one another. We had the honor to meet and get to know Jimmy over the years, and he was in life as he was performing on stage – full of goodwill and joy, using his gift to bring people together. Jill and I send our love to his wife of 46 years, Jane; to their children, Savannah, Sarah, and Cameron; to their grandchildren; and to the millions of fans who will continue to love him even as his ship now sails for new shores.”
James Taylor’s account posted a [1/5] Jimmy Buffett invented his own character, which, in a sense we all do: invent, assemble, inherit, or fall into our inner identity. But Jimmy was the founder of an actual tribe: tens of thousands of us made our way to where he was holding court, just to be near him. pic.twitter.com/x3zTwmL2AE
— James Taylor (@JamesTaylor_com) September 3, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longer message . In it, he noted that Buffett was “a real example of a man: no puffed up defensive macho bulls—, but a model of how to enjoy the great gift of being alive. And that’s what he shared so generously with us: a positive enthusiasm at being here. That so few of us knew how ill he was is essential Jimmy Buffett: he had no intention of burdening us with his illness.”
Buffett never fit neatly into one radio format. But he enjoyed a fanbase that included everyone from mainstream country music listeners to the Grateful Dead’s followers, known as Deadheads. And the tributes that began appearing on social media showed that range. Casual fans may have just associated Buffett with upbeat good time jams like “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins” and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.” But those who dove a bit deeper knew that his heartbreaking ballads were on par with the best songs by singer/songwriters like James Taylor and Jim Croce.
In this interview/performance from The Late Show with David Letterman from 1983, Buffett explains how his song “Come Monday” saved his life. The song hits a bit harder right now, especially considering the opening lyrics, “Headin’ out to San Francisco/For the Labor Day weekend show/I got my Hush Puppies on/I guess I never was meant for glitter rock ‘n’ roll/And honey, I didn’t know that I’d be missin’ you so.” Some fans noted that there was a certain poetry to Buffett passing away on the last weekend of summer, the season that he was so closely associated with.
Check out some other tributes to Buffett below.
Bryan “Dub” Axelson is the host of the Kicks Wake Up Krew on KICKS 99 and has been with Beasley Media Group in Augusta for over 20 years. He got his start in radio by being a regular caller on the Kicks 99 morning show. He was soon hired and has worked in various roles in Augusta, including Promotions Director. He was raised in Georgia, and currently lives in Grovetown with his wife Kelsey, their daughter Maddie, and their 3 dogs. Dub enjoys watching sports, playing golf, spending time with his family, and discovering new music.
