On September 1st, 2023, Jimmy Buffett lost his four-year long battle with Merkel Cell Skin Cancer. He passed away surrounded by friends and family at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island. Buffett was 76 years old, and despite his illness, had continued to perform until only a month before his death. 

Buffett was one of the most influential artists during his career and popularized the tropical rock sound. His discography spanned over fifty years, and he produced numerous classic songs such as “Margaritaville”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Over his decades of performing, Buffett grew a cult following of “Parrot Heads” who fell in love with his care-free, relaxed persona. 

Buffett turned his tropical, vacationing persona into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In 1985, Buffett opened his first successful Margaritaville restaurant in Key West, Florida. This one location would be the start of the Margaritaville franchise. Today, there are now 70-plus restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, casinos, and cruises. Buffett managed to turn his hit song into one of the largest restaurant chains and vacation spots in the world. 

Buffett managed to touch the hearts of millions and forever alter the music industry. He was the epitome of the American dream. Taking one idea, and building a billion dollar franchise around it.