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Jimmy Buffett
By : Celeste Rodas de Juarez
Jimmy Buffett’s life has been nonstop. Instead of one college degree, he earned two. After finishing his studies, he recorded his first album. Success didn’t come with his first record, however, or even with his second. It wasn’t until his sixth album that he finally conquered the airwaves with “Come Monday.” Since that time, Buffett hasn’t slowed down. His enormous collection of gold, platinum and double-platinum records has kept on growing, thanks to songs like “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville” and “Son of a Son of a Sailor.”
A restless soul, he wasn’t satisfied with just having a career in music. Between his concerts and tours, he began to write books—he is part of a select group of writers (that includes Ernest Hemingway) who’ve had two books simultaneously on the New York Times Best-Sellers List—and tried his hand at acting.
In addition, he has his own chain of restaurants, a recording studio, recently celebrated his silver wedding anniversary, has three children and has explored a good part of the world. As if to confirm that at 56 years old he has more energy than ever, Buffett explained during this interview that he’s embarking on tour of several U.S. cities as well as finishing a new book and a new album. With the eloquence of a diplomat, Buffett also spoke of his family and how the United States has changed over the last several years.
Your new album, Meet Me In Margaritaville: The Ultimate Collection, includes some of your best songs. How did you decide which songs to include? Throughout the 30 years of your career, you’ve had so many hits…
After listening to some 40 hits from years gone by, we settled on those that we thought were nearer to the hearts of the fans, and added some new ones as well. It’s two compact discs, and, truthfully, wasn’t as hard as it seems. The fans were the ones that let us know which were their favorites. We made new arrangements for each of the songs, so that they sound new. In total, there are 38 digitally mastered and remastered songs.
You’re also about to publish another book. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
It’s called A Salty Piece of Land. The story is about Tully Mars, the cowboy who visited the ocean, going to Latin America again and meeting a woman who is 104 years old. It features elements of style that are simillar to Gabriel García Márquez and other South American writers who put such special characters in their works that we don’t even need to know their ages or see their faces.
Why do you place your character in the countries of Central and South America?
Because I’ve traveled frequently to these countries and have been fascinated by the stories that I’ve heard and the people who I’ve met. I just recently visited Panama and heard such fantastic stories of why many North Americans have moved there that I came to the conclusion that no one could have invented such wild things.
What gives you greater satisfaction: to have a top 40 hit or a book on the best-seller list?
It pleases me to know that people are reading my books, although I never thought I’d get one on the New York Times Best-Sellers List, let alone two. That gave me a satisfaction that recording an album has perhaps never done. I have to admit, however, I get the most satisfaction from performing my music live.
What song do you like singing the most in your concerts?
I like so many that it’s hard just to just choose one. When I sing live, I love seeing the acceptance level that each one gets to assure me that my fans think it was worth their while to come.
How many more years do you think you’ll keep touring?
As long as there are people to attend our concerts and sing and have a good time with us, I’ll keep doing it.
If you had to choose where to do your last concert, where would it take place and what song would you choose for the grand finale?
On the beach; I don’t know which one because there are so many beautiful ones in the world. The song would be “It’s Been a Lovely Cruise.”
Would you ever consider doing an acoustic CD with maybe you and Mac or even just alone?
Before it became a trend, I was already recording in that style, and I haven’t changed my way of recording. On this new album, we have many acoustic recordings.
In addition to your music, you’ve also become a businessman. How did you become involved in the world of restaurants?
Almost by accident. When we became popular, someone suggested we open a business in Key West. The people liked it so much that my associate and I began opening more. We now have nine, including one in Orlando’s CityWalk. I’ve received offers to open even more, but I’d rather keep the business small so as not to lose the family environment we now have.
Going even stronger in his 50s
You stay just as active as when you were in your 30s. What is your reaction when others say that at retirement age youth is over?
Everyone faces life in different ways. In my case, although I’ve already turned 56, my mind is still 40. Ever since I survived an airplane accident, I see every day as a gift and I plan to enjoy every one of them to the max.
I read that before you became famous, you once earned $11 playing your guitar at Mardi Gras. When you remember that experience, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
As a musician, I think it’s wonderful to play anywhere, whether it’s at a festival or in an Indian village. I feel fortunate to be a part of the power that music has to reach anywhere. It’s an awesome experience.
You recorded six albums before getting a solid hit. Was that a difficult wait?
I am one of those who thinks that you have to be prepared for many rejections, because life is not an easy road. That’s why you have to really believe in yourself, even if you don’t know how to achieve what you desire. Those who attain their goals are a select group, and you have to make your best effort. That way, even if you don’t succeed, you can be satisfied with the knowledge that you did your best. That kind of thinking is what kept me going… and keeps me going.
His family, passions and legacy
It must be hard to maintain a balance between your professional and family life. How do you make time for your wife and children? Do they accompany you on your tours?
Sometimes. It’s not easy to coordinate a band, six trucks and 70 people on a tour, as well as three kids and a wife, but whenever they can, my children come with us. My wife and I have also taken our children to China and Africa. I didn’t get the chance to travel outside of the United States until I was older than 18, and I have always wanted my kids to be able to travel, and to do so not as tourists. Real travelers interact with other people, try to learn from them and want to receive information firsthand, but tourists just visit these places.
Is that the life lesson you’d like to leave them?
More than anything, I’d like for them to be—and be interested in being—better citizens of the planet, and not just a country.
Changing the topic a little, when did your love of flying begin?
My father was a pilot, perhaps that had something to do with it. Later when I was in college, some friends who were pilots introduced me to their world. I always had a passion for flying and read a lot about it. Now I have my own airplane, a Cessna Caravan.
As a history buff, what is your opinion of the changes taking place in the United States over the past several years?
I think that it’s marvelous. I love all the cultures that are coming to this country and leaving their mark. My constant travels throughout the country confirm that, historically, that’s what the nation has been: a union of cultures. If we truly learn to value our diversity, we’ll be strong, invincible. On the other hand, if we see it as a negative point, then we’ll lose our perspective. And what a perspective!
Finally, what do you think has been your greatest contribution to the world?
If I’ve been able to do anything, it would please me to think that I’ve encouraged those who’ve listened to get to know the others in their own countries. Once, a long time ago, I saw the statistics of the number of Americans who didn’t have a passport to travel to other countries, and it shocked me: there were many!
I’ve always thought that if people read, it would be as if they had actually traveled; but if they really travel, then life becomes even better. Then they’re able to meet more people, and that always ends up being something great.
Photo Contributors:
Savannah Jane Buffett
Noah Greenberg
John Haynsworth
Ray Stanyard
Jeean Pagluso
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