Song:Margaritaville
Album:Songs You Know By Heart: Jimmy Buffett's Greatest Hit(s)
Margaritaville was Jimmy Buffett's biggest chart hit and is his signature song. After a failed attempt to break into the country music market, Buffett hit upon a mix of humour and and the breezy lifestyle of Key West to launch a multi faceted business. The music is just one part of the Parrothead lifestyle. He was born Dec. 25, 1946 in Pascagoula, MS and grew up in Mobile, AL. After graduating from the University Of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in history, he moved to Nashville to work for Billboard in 1969. But he had performed through college and wanted to get into music. He signed with Andy Williams' Barnaby label and the 1970 album Down To Earth was too folk for the country market. It didn't sell. Barnaby refused to release Buffett's second album and dropped him. Jerry Jeff Walker took Buffett to Key West and Buffett liked it so much that he moved there. Buffett signed with ABC/Dunhill and created this fun loving persona. A lot of the songs were supposed to be funny. It didn't really catch on until the more serious Come Monday reached #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. But with the 1977 album Changes in Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes and the single Margaritaville, Buffett launched the persona that still endures today. Margaritaville reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 an the album was certified Platinum. The Parrothead cult was born. Buffett continued to record for MCA after they bought ABC until 1999. But in the 80s, he became a monster live act mostly based on his earlier hits. You can get them all on this budget comp. He continues to record on his own Mailboat label and continues to be a strong live draw. He also owns two restaurant chains and has his own beer Landshark through Anheuser Busch. Jimmy Buffett is quite the cottage industry. Here's Jimmy Buffett performing Margaritaville late 70s.
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