Farewell Jimmy Buffett

This one was a shocker: party anthem rocker and business genius Jimmy Buffett has died. He was 76 and no cause of death was released, but he was in the hospital back in May. The New York Times obituary is fantastic - this link is a gift article, meaning you should be able to read it without a subscription.

Comments

[Bkallday]

I was never a fan but just curious how he was a “business genius”? RIP though for sure.

[fletch]

bkallday: he's no David Lee.

[Him]

You are being coy, Bkallday, right? His branding acumen is legendary.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/09/02/jimmy-buffett-dead-at-76-turned-margaritaville-into-a-billion-dollar-fortune/?sh=c727b3d1d4cd

I, like you, never caught the fever when it came to Buffet. But damn, this guy is the guy that Hagar wants to be when he grows up! So, too, others. He realized that you give people a hint of a life they don't lead, you can then get them to go along with a lot of other things. And his diversification makes KISS look like they were late to the game (they were not; they are also branding geniuses though mainly through licensing). There, too, he was also one of the early leaders in licensing. Key thing is, he also took more of a cut and had more of a role in the overall business than some others did or do. And he then put the money he earned to work, making more money (and also putting some of that dough to work for charities that made a difference). You want to live in Margaritaville? Well, someone is working on that while you Cabo Wabo your way to success (as the creator, not the drinker).

I admire his understanding of what he had to offer and what his fans were willing to pay. Strikes me as a success story. And I understand the sadness at his passing. Just don't make me listen to any of his songs!!!

[Bkallday]

No, I really had no idea and was just curious. No disrespect intended tho. I know he was huge and had a huge fanbase. I respect his message, that’s for sure!

[fletch]

INYMI- Sammy Hagar posted this tribute...

The Godfather of lifestyle. Jimmy started it all and took it farther than anyone. He taught us all how to live. Jimmy taught us all how to wear shorts, flip-flops and a worn out T-shirt, walk on stage, as well as your favorite restaurant, and be comfortable.

Jimmy turned us onto Corona beer, tequila, and margaritas. The first time I met Jimmy he said "Oh you're the guy that's trying to get my job" and I said, "Of course, we all want to be you."

[Him]

Cool, Bkallday. Glad I got to share that with you. And I think you are somewhat right: his message was a generally positive vibe and a generally empathetic take on life and living.

And, Fletch, you are so right to share that comment. Much of what Hagar does is modeled on Buffett (whose name I should probably spell correctly, as a sign of respect), as I noted. I bag on Hagar a lot (though still want to have a drink with him!). But he understood the idea of marketing an idea (see below), likely/mainly because he understood the template that Buffett laid out quite clearly. So, kudos to Hagar for bringing that idea into another genre and making it work, and work well, for him.

Basically, Buffett showed how you could monetize dreams of a very specific sort on a large scale. And he did so, increasingly, with an eye towards the other Buffet's understanding of how markets worked (or work, this isn't a discussion of capitalism at this point). So he started somewhat directionless, folksy and unfocused. Then he basically invented "Gulf and Western" and rode that through the high, low, and in-between times. Again, a success.

And for those who bought the dream (literally or figuratively), who loved the music (or the idea that it presented), and for those who (unlike me) actually knew and loved the man . . . RIP JB!

[fletch]

Hence, my first comment on this thread, Him.

I always thought that DLR, missed his chance, so to speak.

He put out (treaded water) with California Girls and Just a Gigolo.

When it became a hit, he didn't follow up on that vibe and parlay it into, dare I say, Cabo Waborita.

Instead, he tried to create the next "Van Halen" 1980's style, by bringing in Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan. Then after he fired Billy, he brought in Matt's brother, another ode to his former band's "chemistry".

Just my humble observation.

[Bob]

To say that Buffett was a branding genius is an understatement for sure. Last year, one of our dear friends got married at the all-inclusive Margaritaville resort just south of Cancun. We spent five glorious days there and I can assure you, that man's branding is on everything; from the names of the cocktails to the names of the restaurants, bars, and even the hotel handsoap. the thing is, he also demanded high standards from anything he put his name on, unlike KISS. Honestly, when it comes to Buffett, you really haven't experienced the vibe until you've been to one of his concerts. The parking lot is full ten hours before the concert. I use to play with the musicians in San Diego who provided live music for the parking lot party before the concert and, in a lot of ways, it was more fun than the concert. Buffett was a good dude who had a genuine talent for lyric writing and creating a vibe. There are millions of people who will definitely miss him. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the Parrothead movement now that their ringleader is gone.