KEY WEST, FL (AP) — All the world was “Margaritaville” on Saturday, from Key West to New York City and beyond, as legions of fans mourned the passing of beach-bum balladeer Jimmy Buffett at the age of 76.
Buffett’s hit song has long been the anthem of Florida’s Key West, where Buffett once lived and built his enduring legacy. “Everybody equates that song with our city,” said Clayton Lopez, a Key West city commissioner. “I mean, when you say Margaritaville, you’re talking about the city of Key West.”
Throughout the day fans gathered, leaving tributes at his iconic Margaritaville store and cafe and at his Shrimpboat Sound recording studio.
Key West plans a remembrance Sunday along Duval Street. A post on the Florida Keys & Key West Facebook page, says a second line procession starts at – fittingly – 5 0’clock.
Duval Street is home to some of Key’s most well-known eateries and music venues, including the Chart Room, a dive bar where Buffett sang early in his career. “He’s doing another show now, but it’s in the sky,” said Jimmy Weekley, who owns Fausto, a restaurant that is one of Key West’s landmarks.
Buffett’s fandom was widespread, and tributes poured in Saturday. Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote: “Love and Mercy, Jimmy Buffett,” and Paul McCartney called him “one of the kindest and most generous people.”
All across the 352, Parrotheads, as Buffett fans are known, posted their condolences and memories on social media. On the Wind-FM Facebook page, one fan wrote, “It must be 5:00 in Heaven.”
Tracy Smith, from Tampa, Florida, arrived at the Margaritaville restaurant in Times Square – part of the Buffett business empire – with her daughters in between Broadway shows. “We made a trip here to pay a tribute to Jimmy Buffett, too,” she said while sipping on a margarita. “I bought all his music,” she said, “I love him and I love his vibe. He makes people happy.”