Peter Mayer talks about the passing of Jimmy Buffett and how he got started with the Coral Reefer Band
From Peter Mayer’s Morning Star Newsletter:
I got the news, the way our headlines come these days… a message glowing from my phone late night in my car… that Jimmy Buffett had passed away after 34 years of our touring together; writing and sharing music with the world. It knocked the breath out of me, the radio went quiet – a long heavy pause. For at least a week, my days didn’t make any sense, but throughout the static… a clear strong signal remained beyond my dazed and confused and it was you. Call it a sonic bucket brigade, a steady light from a star since gone, but still traveling light years strong, and very much alive. The stories poured in from all directions, some of them factual, all of them true. I realized I had more friends to lean on, sending sympathy, good advice – friends that stayed close by quietly allowing space too… then I ever could’ve imagined or deserved. For that gift that you sent my way, and to an extended family that some Christmas day balladeer from Pascagoula, Mississippi, gathered onto one particular harbor, I say “Thank you.” The journey goes on. Life bursts in the screen door and travels on out the back porch; becomes a legacy to be born again … a refrain worth raising for another round.
Welcome to the first in the “That Reminds Me” – two-minute stories from my life on the road with the Coral Reefer Band (and somewhat related incidents).
After Jim, Roger and I lost our record deal to Warner Bros., we were connected, through our producer Elliot Scheiner, with Jimmy Buffett to record “Off to See the Lizard.” It was the late 80s, and Jimmy was looking for a fresh direction in the Coral Reefer Band to join the foundational members: Fingers Taylor, Mike Utley and Robert Greenidge. Jimmy’s management called us up to New York in winter, and we set up and tuned up that morning at the Hit Factory in NYC, with Elliot Scheiner in the producer’s chair.
Jimmy walked in with a broad smile, hair pulled back, his granny glasses on and said, “So this is my new band!” At the time, I thought he might’ve said, “Good morning, alien midwestern dudes” or “Hey, thanks for joining me on this album.” But he went for the presumptuous, “So this is my new band!” Being a little slow, it must have taken me 34 years to google translate that phrase. But in hindsight I see that every gig we played since that morning, every new album or adventure on which we embarked, he was choosing to enter in as a band, arms open, invitation sent, message clear; we will leave nothing behind tonight and it’s going to be some serious fun. Through changes in the makeup of the Coral Reefer Band – so this is my new band – a guest artist that happened to be renowned slide guitar player Sonny Landreth, or Joe Walsh, Huey Lewis, Paul McCartney, or Lionel Richie, it was always US… we’re the band tonight. Now, Jimmy was clear that he was bandleader, and he was the best at that… but that sense of inclusion was why Jimmy had countless stories and songs come by his door, he didn’t protect his particular DNA; he invited a whole host of thrilling viruses in to make the music happier, stronger, different than any yesterday could offer. Hey Jimmy, have you heard about these three Midwestern guys in their early 30s playing 80’s pop music? Oh yeah but bring the powerful keys of Billy Payne from Little Feat on stage, how about Paul Simon and Dave Matthews to sing some Neil Young in the Big Apple. We tuned up each night not always knowing what the set list would be, but that we were spice for some summer night, the particular crew for the one-of-a-kind roux, always a party where no one was left out in the cold.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t celebrate my Coral Reefer Family, Jimmy Buffett, and my bandmates in the Coral Reefer Band. Who, by the way have a wonderful new album coming your way, “Equal Strain on All Parts.” For almost 35 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jimmy and this amazing group of musicians, friends – amazing, each and every one, and I sure miss them in a year where we took a break from our busy summer touring schedule!! While Jimmy took some time to rest and rejuvenate, we’ve all had some time to muse about how special this journey together has been. Jimmy strummed a guitar and started the party, Mike (and Mick) Utley, Mac McAnally, Johnny Lovell, Tina Gullickson, Nadirah Shakoor, Jim Mayer, Eric Darken, Doyle Grisham, Robert Greenidge, Roger Guth and I took up the beat, and all of you one-of-a-kind fans grabbed someone’s backside and have streamed down an island beach in a mighty conga line for so many years. There are lots of memories we celebrate, for sure, and the “Not Yet,” Jimmy sings each night in One Particular Harbor, means we’re not done. A toast to you, my friends!
Thanks Pete! I think we are actually closer to one another. Jimmy saw to that.
Thank you Peter Mayer for sharing your thoughts and words at this challenging time. Jimmy Buffett always said he surrounded himself with the best of the best! You have a great way with words as you have with your guitar! Your talent always has shined through while the cohesiveness of the band combined with Jimmy’s infectious joy has made all the music and performances magical to this anonymous fan. I’m so sorry on the loss of your friend/family member/band mate/etc; and send my sincere condolences to you, Jim, Brendan and all the Coral Reefers as well as Mr . Buffett’s family. I hope someday your band will make it to Central New York so I can once again enjoy your live performance and maybe have an opportunity to say Thank you in person.
Wonderful sentiments. I think he loved the band as much as we loved you. The ads for the concerts always read, “and The Coral Reefer Band”
Safe travels.
Thank you Peter for sharing this. It says a lot about the Coral Reefers and, of course, Jimmy. I had the pleasure of meeting you in Frisco before the show and Jimmy twice at the Four Seasons in Austin. These memories are cherished and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet both of you. That you were approachable and willing to share a few moments of your time made me feel like part of the family. Jimmy autographed my “Fins Up” guitar strap which I use when performing as well as the handful of picks you gave me.
I enjoy your monthly newsletter and keep hoping you will make it to San Antonio. Thanks for the many wonderful memories. Let’s keep the party going. God bless.
Peter thank you, I was raised on jimmy’s music. He meant so much to this very devout Mormon kid from Idaho . It’s funny how he and you for that matter could have provided such balance, to a life that was overly religious and extremely judgmental. His songs resonated deep in my soul . We all must die but the trick to this life is to truly live. Live with abandon but don’t be completely reckless in the process. Well that’s what living is to me . And the best sermons I ever felt were hidden in his many wonderful songs . No I never got drunk and screwed anyone. But I have been a cowboy in the jungle many times in life and I have visited that one particular harbor many times … false echoes now abound in my 59 years of living and I will continue to change the channels as I go. That’s what living is to me! Thanks again. Fins up!
Thank you Peter. It gives us all comfort. We all look forward to new travels and new music.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts !!
Thank you, Peter, for sharing these wonderful thoughts and for your incredible playing. I think of those of you who had the distinct honor to work and play with Jimmy, and to call him friend, and hope you are healing from the loss of your friend. Hoping you and the CR band choose to continue with his/your great music. I also remember your trip to Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach where we all sat on what had to be the coldest night of the year so we could hear you and your son serving up your awesome music. Breathe in, breathe put, move on!
Thanks Pete – We all mourn in different ways. As a semi-professional musician for over 45 years when I heard the news I didn’t feel like singing again. It’s taken me a month to get back up on the musicla horse to celebrate and not mourn the passing our pirate king. Jimmy’s words of keep the party going and am actually heading out soon to play a private corporate event (classic rock). Altho it’s not the “look” I do plan on wearing my Hawaiian shirt on stage as homage to the man who brought us all together. Pete you’ve always struck me as a class act as have all the reefers. Actually met you years back. I wish your heart and the rest of JB’s pirate band or musical troubadours) peace and look forward to more music form you in the future. Bubbles up – Fins up and rock on my musical brother.
Hi Peter, we are so sorry for the loss of your friend and bandleader. We never met Jimmy but through your music felt the love and joy. Please know we are so happy the band is going to continue in. We only hope you make it to our mid western state of Michigan so we can continue to support you guys and continue to share the joy that is the Coral Reefer Band. His Bless and fins up
Very well put! Thanks!
Thank you Peter. Your words are beautifully moving. The feeling of loss won’t go away for awhile, but in time it will become more bearable. Music is always the perfect medication for the affliction. Thank you for your music. Find up, bubbles up, breathe in , breathe out, move on.💕🦜😎👣🌴🌸
Beautiful…sending healing vibes to all the Coral Reefers. How wonderful we all go to enjoy the party.
You have always been my favorite coral Reefer. I love watching you play..
I went to a concert alone at blossom Music Cenger outside of Akron Ohio. It was after Covid and you were all so happy to be on stage. It was wonderful and unfortunately the last one. Thank you for your years of playing with Jimmy. I have thought about all of you and how sad, and empty you must feel. Life goes on, we will never forget…
And the Band played on..!!!!
Thank you Peter🥹 I’m sitting in my truck at the Mendon Drive-in (MA) celebrating ALL that is Jimmy and the Coral Reefers. The day has been both happy & sad. It has been a mini Great Woods experience. His spirit and the band has been honored by ALL who have attended!🦜🏝️🌋🦈🍔🍹🫧
Thank you Peter for a very heartfelt message! My condolences to you and the rest of Jimmy’s inner circle for your loss. We have felt that same loss, but from afar, so I can’t imagine the enormity of your grief. Thank you for all of the wonderful music you have provided us with over the years! Fins Up!!!
Many many thanks Peter for all the years you, Mac, Utley, Robert, and all the Coral Reefers an of course Jimmy for giving the world the therapy that allows us to escape from life’s insanity. I hope and I pray as many fans probably do that the CRB will continue to play and tour together. Hope to see you soon
Beautifully said by you and so many replies. Yes the air went out of so many of us but if we listen we still Breathe in-Breathe out-and eventually move on. Thank you and the other members for knowing we all love you too! Cathy
I know that the news was a shock, as it was to all of us fans. Jimmy passing and what he indured for the pass 4 years was not easy.Especdially with his vibrant personality and his up beat attitude. I first listen to his music one night in Key West January 1974 an I was Hooked!!!!! I just loved who this guy was and what he accomplished with his Miusic, Lyrics and stories. Especially when “Son of a Son of a Sailor” came out , I had a real connection with him being of the same age and me being ” Son of a Son of a Tailor’. Besides have had all of is Albums, Books and saw Jimmy in concert all over the US.
I can understand you loss of a Friend as Member of the “Coral Reefer Band” and all the friends you made during the 34 yeas of Playing with Jimmy. I am real sorry to have the post this that Jimmy has passed way to soon. Robert
Well said. Warner Bros was foolish not to sign PM….I remember hearing you guys at Margaritaville, Key West back in the days of my local group “The Survivors” played there; Denny Hooten aka Elmo the Hammer our sax man a big fan of yours as well. Always great writing and playing you and Jim and Roger. In any case, twists and turns, choices made…well done sir. And to Mr. Jimmy.