The world woke to the news, this mourning, that Jimmy Buffett had died at the age of 76. The man who popularized “gulf and western” music was most famous for his one top ten hit Margaritaville, which encouraged an aimless beach lifestyle. Buffett, who turned the song into a billion dollar brand, was much loved by surfers and especially the greatest of all-time, Kelly Slater.
The 11x champion took to Instagram in the wee hours in order to pen a moving tribute.
I grew up listening to Jimmy Buffett with my family. His music basically outlined the lives we desired… fishing, diving, dreaming about being in the tropics, playing music and just living the dream.”
Slater goes on to describe how he first met Buffett in France in 2010. After his father died, he informed the artist how much he reminded him of his dad and “from that moment on he kind of became a surrogate for me.”
Buffett, Slater said, would call and check in regularly, giving him advice, etc.
“I’m having a tough time accepting his passing, he continued, “but I do feel blessed to have some incredible memories every single time I hung out with him.
Slater ended with, “It 5 o’clock somewhere, Jimmy and I know you’d be smoking a joint with a drink in your hand and a huge smile on your face like any good pirate would.”
Tributes poured in.
Bruce Weber, famed photographer, wrote, “It’s crazy Kelly so many friends and heroes are going off to another great island – I guess it just makes you want to keep going on until your bags are packed full of memories…”
Surf industry icon Bob Hurley said, “So sorry Kelly… never met him but was lucky enough to be in his sphere a couple of times… very well said… resonates soooo true… we are fortunate to have his work and good vibes live on.”
Songstress Jewel, “Awwww man! So sad! He was great!”
Surf stud Josh Kerr, “Great words! Such a iconic man!’
On and on it went.
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