Jimmy Buffett, ‘Margaritaville’ Singer Who Turned Island Escapism Into an Empire, Dead at 76

Jimmy Buffett, the musician and entrepreneur known for creating the classic anthem "Margaritaville" in 1977, passed away at the age of 76. His empire includes restaurants, resorts, and other businesses.

His followers known as "Parrotheads," have developed into a distinct subculture with more than 200 local chapters around the country. His name alone conjures up visions of fruity drinks and beaches with white sand.

He was a shrewd businessman who founded many chains of restaurants utilizing lyrics from songs as his inspiration. His net worth will top $1 billion in 2023, according to Forbes.

Buffett was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on December 25, 1946.His father was employed by the Alabama Dry Docks and Shipyard when the boy was growing up in Mobile, Alabama. Buffett's grandpa was a sea captain, and he used to regale Buffett with tales of his ocean voyages throughout the globe.

After his debut album, 1970's Down to Earth only sold 400 copies, such success would have come as a surprise.

In A Pirate Looks at Fifty, Buffett stated, "You know Death will get you in the end, but if you are smart and have a sense of humor, you can thumb your nose at it for a while."