Paul McCartney, Huey Lewis, Bob Seger Pay Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
by Best Classic Bands Staff
“Sail on, brother,” wrote Huey Lewis in his tribute to Jimmy Buffett
In the hours following the Sept. 2, 2023, news of the passing of Jimmy Buffett on Sept. 1, fellow stars paid tribute to the “Margaritaville” star. The news of Buffett’s death was shared on his various social media platforms. “Jimmy passed away peacefully… surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” read the statement. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
One prominent rocker summed up how many others felt about Buffett, writing: “I never met a human being that didn’t like him.” We’ve assembled a few favorites.
In his lengthy tribute, Paul McCartney shared that the pair had recorded together recently. “It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.
“I remember once on holiday when I had forgotten to bring my guitar and was itching to play. He said he would get me one of his, but I said, ‘I’m left-handed’. So, Jimmy had his roadie restring one of his guitars which he loaned me for the duration of the holiday. He then followed this act of generosity by giving me my own beautiful left-handed guitar that had been made by one of his guitar-making pals. It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was.
“He had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humour. When we swapped tales about the past his were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him.
“Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humour that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.’
“So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all, and for mankind as a whole.
“Last, but not least, is his songwriting and vocal ability. If someone made an interesting remark he repeated it in his gorgeous Louisiana drawl and said, ‘That’s a good idea for a song’. Most times it didn’t take too long for that song to appear. I was very happy to have played on one of his latest songs called ‘My Gummy Just Kicked In’. We had a real fun session and he played me some of his new songs. One, in particular, I loved was the song, ‘Bubbles Up’. And I told him that not only was the song great but the vocal was probably the best I’ve heard him sing ever. He turned a diving phrase that is used to train people underwater into a metaphor for life when you’re confused and don’t know where you are just follow the bubbles – they’ll take you up to the surface and straighten you out right away.
“So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend. Love, Paul.”
Huey Lewis posted a touching tribute to Buffett. “Shocked by the news of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. Some of the last shows I was able to do before I lost my hearing were with him, and I got to know him a little. He was a wonderful songwriter, and author, and a major influence for country music. He pretty much created the style employed by Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, and others (Gulf and Western). He was very generous to me, sending support when I lost my hearing, and I’m deeply saddened by this news. Sail on brother…”
Bob Seger wrote, “Sunshine personified. I never met a human being that didn’t like him. He’ll be greatly missed.”
Buffett and country star Alan Jackson recorded “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” in 2003.
Jackson wrote in tribute, “Shores distant shores,
There’s where I’m headed for,
I got the stars to guide my way,
Sail into the light of day… #BoatsToBuild
RIP my friend.”
Stephen Stills also mourned the loss. “Rest in Peace and Love, Jimmy Buffett. Condolences to his family, friends and #ParrotHeads around the world. #FinsUp”
Elton John called Buffett “a unique and treasured entertainer. His fans adored him and he never let them down. This is the saddest of news. A lovely man gone way too soon.”
From James Taylor: “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.
“People say he was a lord of life and that’s true: somewhere between Falstaff and the pirate, Jean Laffite. But to me, my friend Jimmy Buffet was a real example of a man: no puffed up defensive macho bullshit, 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.
“He told me a story about him and Savannah wake surfing in a harbor somewhere: there was a huge freighter leaving port and Jimmy got the captain on the radio. The guy was a ParrotHead and he adjusted his course and speed to give Jimmy the perfect ride. And what a ride it’s been.
“So long old pal.”
From another gifted singer-songwriter, Paul Simon: ““It’s always a sad day when we lose a beloved artist and musician and so sad for me personally to lose a dear friend.”
Screen grab of Joe Walsh and Jimmy Buffett from a fan video
And from Joe Walsh: “Jimmy Buffett was an immediate friend that day we met back in 1970. He got signed to the same record label as the James Gang, Three Dog Night and Steppenwolf. We all had a good laugh wondering what the hell he was doing there with such a motley crew… even Jimmy himself! But he showed us all that he was built to last. A great sailor, a good friend and a man who did a lot of good for this world while nobody was looking. I’m still honored to have played at his and Janey’s wedding. Here’s a pic from a fan video of us doing what we did best… playing rock and roll for a charity gig back in Chicago in ‘99. I love you, Jimmy. I miss you already.”
The Beach Boys’ Mike Love wrote, “Your music brought joy to so many people, including me. It was always a pleasure when our paths crossed and we were able to share the stage together. I will hold dear our time spent together on stage, especially you singing ‘Kokomo’ with us. Your sense of humor and gracious nature was a pleasure to be a round. Although we’ll miss you, we’ll continue to enjoy the beautiful music that you’ve blessed upon us. No more shoes, just your toes in heaven’s sand.
“Rest in peace Brother Jimmy.”
From Sammy Hagar: “The Godfather of lifestyle. Jimmy started it all and took it farther than anyone. He taught us all how to live. Jimmy taught us all how to wear shorts, flip-flops and a worn out T-shirt, walk on stage, as well as your favorite restaurant, and be comfortable.
“Jimmy turned us onto Corona beer, tequila, and margaritas. The first time I met Jimmy he said, ‘Oh you’re the guy that’s trying to get my job’ and I said, ‘Of course, we all want to be you.’
“Rest in paradise, Mr. Buffett.”
Watch Buffett’s first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, on May 5, 1981
From Sheryl Crow: “Just saw Jimmy Buffett recently while recording with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. He was as he always was… a bright light! With a wonderful sense of humor and always so warm. I will miss knowing he is on the planet. He is up there sailing the bright blue Caribbean! ❤️”
Toby Keith wrote, “The pirate has passed. RIP Jimmy Buffett. Tremendous influence on so many of us.”
From Dave Matthews: “Whether planned or coincidence, every time I ran into Jimmy it was like seeing an old friend. He was brilliant and a genuinely good and generous man. We didn’t know each other that well. We weren’t old friends, but that’s how I felt around him. He is loved by so many because that’s how he made us all feel.
“It would be nice to run into him again.”
From Kenny Chesney: “So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor 🦜🌴🌊”
One of the many album covers Kosh designed for Jimmy Buffett
Album designer Kosh wrote: “Jimmy was one of the jolliest clients that I had ever known. We had collaborated on so many album covers—he had an irrepressible sense of humor and an incredible generosity to match. (I once flew to Key West with my sketches to find his tour manager, the truly remarkable and stalwart, Charlie Fernandez, waiting for me with the keys to Jimmy’s 1964 Land Rover—a badge of honor on the island. The house was open. On the kitchen table was a note; ‘J.K. beer in fridge back soon love J.B.’ He showed up piloting his seaplane two days later.) I will miss the man, his music, his love of the stage and particularly his audiences. He never held back. Jimmy Buffett was a really cool bloke. Sail on 🌊”
From the entire Little Feat family: “To Jimmy Buffett’s family and friends, we send our love and condolences. Jimmy was a generous friend to our band over the years. Thank you, Jimmy. May you now and forever reside in safe harbor.”
J.D. Souther wrote, “Last night, the Pied Piper of Joyous music left us for the big band in the somewhere, full of beloved friends and dogs. Jimmy was a great friend, and his music, his very presence, was a ticket to cast off your worries and chill. His smile was as genuine as truth and infectious as a carnival. I miss him terribly already, and he is absolutely irreplaceable.”
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationChanges in Attitudes was a terrific LP. The song that sucked me in was “Tampico Trauma”. Jimmy escaped the fate of Fred C. Dobbs by virtue of his good-nature and knowing “when to fold ’em”.
When you grow up and lived 80% of your life in a place that has the word ISLAND in it you’re a Buffett fan! #FINS UP
LONG ISLAND NY
Jimmy Buffett saved my life about a million times. Growing up at a time when loud rock was key for so many I was seeking to find the island that was where Jimmy was. I never made it south yet but I got to go there anyway through listening to Jimmy. I have heard it all from Jimmy and kept countless recordings of the same songs just in case there was something else Jimmy was going to add. I was and still am one of his super fans and I tried to live my life the way Jimmy sang and acted in his. Our paths did not cross but maybe one day they will. He will remain a part of me always.