Jimmy Buffett became more than a singer who got his start at a small Key West bar.
He was a business empire. An environmental activist. An author.
He was a South Florida celebrity who never forgot where it all started.
He kept homes in Florida and returned often, to perform or speak or appear at local events. One of his final concerts was back in Key West.
Buffett died Sept. 1 at 76. He leaves behind a legion of Parrothead fans, an empire of Margaritaville restaurants and resorts and products, and many tunes stuck in our head forever.
Here is a look at Buffett through the years in Miami, the Keys and elsewhere in the Sunshine State.
PERFORMER
Jimmy Buffett in 1976.
Jimmy Buffett in concert at the then Coral Sky Amphitheater in West Palm Beach in Feb 1997. John Pineda Miami Herald File
Jimmy Buffett on stage. Front Line Management Company In
Jimmy Buffett in 1987. Louis Sahuc MCA Record
Jimmy Buffett Henry Diltz MCA Records
Jimmy Buffett Ray Stanyard Margaritaville Records
Jimmy Buffett in the 1970s. Don Light Talent Inc.
Jimmy Buffett, circa 1968 first publicity photo Miami Herald File
ACTIVIST
In 2002 in West Palm Beach, Jimmy Buffett appears at a campaign event for Florida gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride. Chuck Fadely Miami Herald File
In the 1980s, David Pearson, Sen. Bob Graham and Jimmy Buffett at a Save The Manatee event Miami Herald File
Jimmy Buffett and candidate for governor Lawton Chiles at the Sunrise Musical Theater in 1990. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File
Jimmy Buffett Miami Herald File
In 1996, Jimmy Buffett talks at a Dnia Beach marine business about saving the Everglades and voting yes for state amendments. Walter Michot Miami Herald File
CELEBRITY
In 1997, Jimmy Buffett at his rented Coconut Grove home, hosting a party for the cast of his new musical “Don’t Stop the Carnival.” David Bergman Miami Herald File
In 206, Jimmy Buffett apeared at the red carpet premiere of the movie “Hoot,” based on a Carl Hiaasen book. The event was at the Sunrise Las Olas Cinema in, Fort Lauderdale. Here, Logan Lerman, left, who stars in the film as the lead character Roy, spends a moment talking with co-producer Buffett at the premiere. Marsha Halper Miami Herald File
In 1997, Jimmy Buffett during sneak preview of new play “Don’t Stop the Carnival.” AL Diaz Miami Herald File
SOUTH FLORIDA EVENTS
In 2009, Jimmy Buffett, left, along with Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross, right, display the new name of LandShark Stadium, at a press conference held at the stadium. Marice Cohn Band Miami Herald File
Jimmy Buffett, second from the left, poses with Jeff Ireland, general manager of the Dolphins, Stephen M. Ross, owner and managing general partner of the Miami Dolphins, and Tony Sparano, head coach, after his mimi-concert which announced the official changing of the name of Dolphin Stadium to LandShark Sadium, Friday, May 8, at the stadium. Marice Cohn Band Miami Herald File
As one of the owners of the Miami Miracles minor league baseball team, Jimmy Buffett chats with manager Jim Gattis during opening night of the 1989 season. Al Diaz Miami Herald Staff
In 2009, Jimmy Buffett sings his iconic song “Fins” with new lyrics written for the team and all Dolphin fans in South Florida, at the press conference held announcing that Dolphin Stadium will be renamed LandShark Stadium. Marice Cohn Band Miami Herald File
Broward downloaded from email 10-18-2005 julie levin/for the herald The opening of the newest Cheeseburger In Paradise restaurant, in the Fashion Mall in Plantation, featured a special treat for South Florida parrotheads: a live concert by Jimmy Buffett. The Oct. 17 event benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Plantation Fire Department. Miami Herald File
This story was originally published September 2, 2023 at 9:34 AM.
