Old Dominion paid tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett during their performance on Saturday (Sept. 2) at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience in Snowmass Village.
The “One Man Band” singers took to social media to share a video of their heartfelt performance with the country music community, who were also mourning loss of the “Margaritaville” singer.
“Turned Aspen into Margaritaville last night in memory of Jimmy Buffett,” the award-winning group captioned the clip on Instagram.
Watch Old Dominion Honor Jimmy Buffett With Special Tribute Performance Below
The clip began with frontman Matthew Ramsey addressing the crowd.
“I feel like we need to memorialize a great artist and a great man,” Ramsey began. “You can probably imagine in a band of five guys that the musical tastes are all over the place. So, it’s hard to find something that we always can agree on and one of those things that we can always agree on is Jimmy Buffett.”
He proceeded to elaborate that, even though they never had the opportunity to meet or collaborate with Buffett, he has been a profound source of inspiration for their career and life.
“We never really got to meet with him… We almost got to work with him for a second, but his music has influenced our entire catalog, the way we write songs, the way we put on shows, the way we live our lives,” Ramsey continued. “So we wanted to try a little song just to memorialize him. We would never ask you to do this, but if you got a lighter or phone light it up. Let’s sing a song together in the memory of Jimmy Buffett.”
The group then went on to perform one of Buffett’s most iconic hits, “Margaritaville.”
React To Buffett’s Death
Upon hearing the news of Jimmy Buffett’s passing, Old Dominion took to social media to remember the late music icon.
“Thank you, Jimmy Buffett for the joy, love, and escape you provided for so many. For inspiring songwriters to write their truth and tell stories with a wink, and for providing countless musicians like us a comfortable, welcoming place to create our own music. Rest Easy. ❤️ 🦜”
Buffett Died At 76 Years Old On September 1
Jimmy Buffett, the beloved “Margaritaville” singer and leader of the Parrotheads, passed away at the age of 76 years old.
According to a statement shared on Saturday morning (Sept. 2) via Buffett’s social media, the singer/songwriter passed away late Friday evening (Sept. 1).
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the statement read. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
Secretively Battling Cancer
According to Buffett’s official website, the legendary singer “passed away at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island on Friday, September 1, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Buffett, 76, had been fighting Merkel Cell Skin Cancer for four years. He continued to perform during treatment, playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July.”
The outlet also reported that Jimmy Buffett began receiving hospice care on Monday, August 28. Since being placed on hospice, the singer/songwriter/entrepreneur received an overwhelming amount of love from his closest family and friends.
According to TMZ, one week ago Sir Paul McCartney paid Buffett a visit and performed for him and his family.
Most recently, he was forced to reschedule a concert in May after being hospitalized to address medical issues that need “immediate attention.”
In September of 2022, Jimmy Buffett canceled his entire tour and his team revealed that he would not be touring for the remainder of the year due to “due to health issues” and a “brief hospitalization.”
Born On December 25, 1946 And Died On September 1, 2023
Buffett, whose real name is James William Buffett, was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi and raised in Alabama. He moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music in the late 1960s and also spent most of his time in New Orleans and Key West.
Jimmy Buffett’s musical career began in the late 1960s, and he soon became known for his unique blend of country, folk, and Gulf Coast rock, often referred to as “Gulf and Western.”
In 1970, he released his debut album titled Down To Earth. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 1977, with the release of his seventh studio album, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, that Jimmy Buffett and his band The Coral Reefers catapulted into mainstream fame, thanks to the project’s hit single “Margaritaville.”
“Margaritaville” has gone on to become a massive, world renowned hit and was even included on The Recording Industry Association Of America’s list of Songs Of The Century.
With his signature laid-back style and a guitar in hand, he enchanted audiences worldwide, transporting them to a world of sun-soaked beaches, swaying palm trees, and carefree days.
Timeless Hits That Became Anthems Of Escapism
His timeless hits like “Fins,” “Come Monday,” “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” became anthems of escapism and celebration, evoking the spirit of a never-ending beachside vacation.
Throughout his career, Jimmy Buffett has collaborated with several country artists, including Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and George Strait.
Beyond his chart-topping success, Jimmy Buffett was a prolific songwriter, author, and actor.
He has released several novels, including Tales from Margaritaville and A Salty Piece of Land, which offered fans a deeper insight into the characters and stories behind his music. Buffett’s engaging storytelling also extended to the big screen, where he appeared in films such as Rancho Deluxe and Hoot.
Buffett’s indomitable spirit of adventure led him to explore diverse interests, from piloting planes and sailing the seas to founding the Margaritaville brand in 1985. The Margaritaville brand encompasses restaurants, hotels, and a lifestyle empire, all embodying his laid-back philosophy. He once said, “I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.”
Margaritavillle
Buffett’s indomitable spirit of adventure led him to explore diverse interests, from piloting planes and sailing the seas to founding the Margaritaville brand in 1985. The Margaritaville brand encompasses restaurants, hotels, and a lifestyle empire, all embodying his laid-back philosophy.
Thanks to his lucrative businesses, Buffett was named one of the richest musicians in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, by Forbes as well as added to the World’s Billionaire List.
Jimmy Buffett’s philanthropic endeavors were equally admirable. He dedicated himself to environmental conservation, particularly marine and coastal protection, and established the “Save the Manatee Club” to safeguard the beloved aquatic creatures he cherished.
Buffett’s live performances were legendary, drawing thousands of fans, known as the Parrotheads, from all corners of the globe. His annual tours were more than concerts; they were vibrant celebrations of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Survived By His Wife And Three Children
Jimmy Buffett is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Jane Slagsvol, and children Savannah Buffett, Sarah Delaney Buffett and Cameron Marley Buffett.
Additionally, Jimmy Buffett was expected to release his new album, Equal Strain On All Parts, later this year, which would serve as the follow-up to his 2020 project, Life On The Flip Side. It is now unclear if the project will still be released.
