Category: Buffett’s Friends

Sail On Jerry Jeff Walker

Buffett's Friends 4 Comments

Jerry Jeff Walker, a country singer-songwriter known for penning the hit “Mr. Bojangles,” has died at the age of 78 after a long battle with throat cancer.

It was Jerry Jeff who first drove Jimmy Buffett to Key West from Coconut Grove, Florida in a Packard. Walker and Buffett also co-wrote the song “Railroad Lady” while riding the last run of the Panama Limited.

In 1971, Walker moved to Austin, Texas, where he was riveted by the “rapidly-evolving music scene” thanks to its mix of country, rock, folk and blues, otherwise known as “progressive country” or “cosmic cowboy” music.

Walker had some trouble with alcohol and drugs, which his obituary notes led to his reputation of “rowdy performances and offstage excess.”

His recording career spanned 51 years and he released 36 albums, including compilations. He became known as a mentor to musicians such as Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffett, Guy Clark, Todd Snider and Lucinda Williams.

Herman Wouk

Legendary author Herman Wouk dies at 103

Buffett's Friends, Musicals 9 Comments

From the Hollywood Reporter: “Herman Wouk, Author of ‘The Caine Mutiny’ and ‘The Winds of War,’ Dies at 103”

Herman Wouk, the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Caine Mutiny that became a Broadway hit and then a Columbia Pictures classic that starred Humphrey Bogart in a career-defining performance, has died. He was 103.

Wouk died Friday in his sleep at his home in Palm Springs, his literary agent Amy Rennert told the Associated Press.

Wouk wrote the Caribbean-set 1965 comedy “Don’t Stop the Carnival”, which Jimmy Buffett used as the basis for a 1998 album and short-lived musical.

The musical “Don’t Stop the Carnival” had a six week run at the Coconut Grove playhouse in Miami in April 1997. The musical then had a run at the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas in 2001.

Buffett caddies at U.S. Senior Women’s Open

Buffett's Friends, Special Appearances

From the Golf Channel: “Jimmy Buffett caddies at U.S. Senior Women’s Open”

Jimmy Buffett has worn many hats in his career – musician, best-selling author, businessman, and now … caddie.

Buffett was at Chicago Golf Club Monday to caddie for Patricia Ehrhart during a practice round at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.

Ehrhart was a semifinalist at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur, and she also works as the travel and event manager for the Margaritaville Surf Team. Buffett, of course, serves as the captain, and Ehrhart’s three daughters are competitive surfers.

But there’s more than just the matter of convenience: Ehrhart is Buffett’s niece.

Buffett spends New Year’s Eve with Paul McCartney

Buffett's Friends 1 Comment

From the New York Post: “How the biggest celebrities spent New Year’s Eve”

The most over-the-top New Year’s Eve bash on the jet-set circuit was once again Roman Abramovich’s soiree in St. Barts, where guests welcomed 2017 as Sir Paul McCartney sang “Auld Lang Syne” with Jimmy Buffett.

The Beatle had climbed onstage as a surprise performer earlier in the evening during a set by the Killers held in a villa in the Gustavia section of the island.

McCartney captured the audience’s stunned response, saying from the stage, “What is going on?” before he and the band’s lead singer, Brandon Flowers, performed The Beatles’ 1968 hit, “Helter Skelter.” The rock ’n’ roll icon was also spotted dancing up a storm with his wife, Nancy Shevell, on the villa’s terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The Russian billionaire’s other guests included model Karlie Kloss, Stella McCartney, actress Carey Lowell, Calvin Klein, Jann Wenner, photographer Johnny Pigozzi, and John McEnroe and his wife, Patty Smyth.