Thousands of Jimmy Buffett fans bid farewell to the legendary singer on Sunday afternoon by filling the streets of Key West, Florida, to celebrate his life and memory.
The "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" singer died on Friday at the age of 76 from Merkel cell skin cancer, an aggressive form of skin cancer, after a four-year battle. He had not publicized his health problems and had played multiple concerts throughout his treatment.
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????Just ahead of Key West's Sunday tribute to Jimmy Buffett, who left us on Sept. 1, Florida Keys musician Howard Livingston and friends serenade Duval Street with "Margaritaville," the iconic song inspired by this paradise Buffett adored. ????️ #JimmyBuffett #Margaritaville #KeyWest pic.twitter.com/9S0HblziUp
— The Florida Keys (@thefloridakeys) September 4, 2023
Key West pays tribute to the legendary Jimmy Buffett who left us on Sept. 1. Thousands gathered on Duval Street for a march honoring the man who put "Margaritaville" on the map. ???????? #JimmyBuffett #KeyWest #Margaritaville pic.twitter.com/AogyoycyIc
— The Florida Keys (@thefloridakeys) September 4, 2023
“I think that Key West was Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy Buffett was Key West in its own essence,” event organizer Jordan Upchurch said. “He loved this island so much.”
Organizers estimated that 4,000 people lined Key West's Duvall Street to honor Buffett.
Buffett had turned his brand of island escapism in his 1977 hit "Margaritaville" into a billion-dollar business empire.
He had launched "Margaritaville"-themed stores and restaurants, and he also opened Margaritaville Cafe in Key West in 1985. The "Margaritaville" business brand spread to casinos, resorts, three retirement communities, and a cruise line.
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The singer had called his unique music sound "Gulf and Western," which came to be called "trop rock," blending Caribbean and country music.
Buffett credited his grandfather, a ship captain who sang calypso songs, for teaching him about how to be a performer. The singer had been raised in Alabama but became known for his celebration of the tropics.