American country singer and successful entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, who shot to fame with his 1977 hit “Margaritaville,” died Friday night at the age of 76, according to a statement posted on his website. “Jimmy passed away peacefully Friday night, surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs, he will be missed by many,” it read. However, the causes of death were not specified.
“This is very sad news, a lovely man gone too soon, British singer Elton John reacted on Instagram, Jimmy Buffett was a unique and precious artist. His hit single, “Margaritaville,” topped the Billboard charts for 22 weeks, serving as the launch pad for a successful music and business career.
Nicknamed the “Mayor of Margaritaville”, the singer would produce some 30 albums during his career, mixing country, folk and Caribbean sounds while successfully developing hotel chains, restaurants and stores, capitalizing on his laid-back image. . Born December 25, 1946, in the state of Mississippi but raised in the neighboring state of Alabama, Jimmy Buffett began playing the guitar in college, initially playing on the streets and on small stages in La Nouvelle -Orléans, according to its website.
“Jimmy Buffet was an icon of American music who inspired generations to step back and enjoy life,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement. “He was in life what he showed on stage: full of joy and goodwill, using his talent to bring people together.”
He released his first album in 1970, the beginning of a rich career which also led him to the publication of bestselling books as well as appearances in cinema or television and even on the boards of Broadway, with his musical Escape to Margaritaville. The singer was expected to release a new album by the end of the year. Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson paid tribute to Jimmy Buffett on X (ex-Twitter), posting a photo of the cover of the Havana Daydreamin album, released in 1976. “Love and mercy, Jimmy Buffett”, a- he added in the caption.