So who is the real Jimmy Buffett

Y-NO-9-O · Post by **Y-NO-9-O** » February 13, 2004 6:01 pm

Long answer to a short question:
I have only heard good things about people who got to sit with JB for a while before shows at UF back in the late 70's, early 80's (my sister being one of them).
Let's stop and think about this for a couple seconds: you are a big (or rising) star and someone comes up to you and says something like "I love your music, man, why don't you play [fill in the name of YOUR favorite song]? That's my favorite song. What's it like being up on stage? blah, blah, blah..." Personally, I believe he would tend to not want to be part of that conversation.
Now, if you said, "Feel like shooting a game of pool, I'm buying" don't you think he would feel more comfortable just being with someone who wasn't gushing? We are all human and we react to stimuli differently. Alas, I can't speak personally because I have never met him, but I imagine he tires of the BS.
About Charlotte: the way I heard it [only hearsay, but from a reliable source] is that the crowd was unruly and when a bottle hit the stage Jimmy left. Can you blame him? Living in Charlotte, I have heard that he doesn't like to play here. Last time he was here the parking lot opened at exactly 6:00 pm for an 8:00 show. Cars were lining both roads into VWA, blocking all lanes of traffic, but the venue refused to let people in even 1 minute early. I know several people who were stuck in traffic for at least an hour only to wait in line at least 45 minutes before they could get into the venue. They ended up missing the first half of the show. As an entertainer, don't you think it would be distracting if people are trying to find their seat while you sing a song that you are putting your heart into? A couple years he just skipped Charlotte all together. To me that was just fine, I would take Lakewood (aka hifi buys) in Atlanta over Charlotte any day. Even with the 4 1/2 hour drive.

Jahfin · Post by **Jahfin** » February 13, 2004 6:07 pm

The only Buffett show I ever saw in Charlotte was at Carowinds during the Somewhere Over China Tour circa 1981 and due to a tumultous downpour the concert was delayed for quite a while but as soon as the rain let up Buffett came out and put on a hell of a show.

As far as the up and down thing, when I saw John Prine last year at a relatively small venue, NO ONE was allowed to renter while he was still playing a song. I've never experienced that before, but given the intimacy of his shows, I found it to be very respectful to the performer.

aquaholic · Post by **aquaholic** » February 13, 2004 6:20 pm

He's just a good damn guy......................AQUA...........and my hero

Cubbie Bear · Post by **Cubbie Bear** » February 13, 2004 8:03 pm

Lee may be the only one qualified to truly answer this one, but here is my imput....

Cecil Corbett, the "Its all Cecils fault" from M-ville on "You Had To Be There" promoted concerts for me in 1990-91, Got me primo tickets for Charlotte in 91 and was s'posed to take me back stage. Cecil is a 300 pound "John Madden on speed" He was a victum to the Charlotte heat and was not around after the show for my promised backstage visit. Besides being an long time fan, I had other reasons for wanting to meet Jimmy
I told Cecil that I wanted to meet Jimmy, play golf with Jimmy and just hang with Jimmy. I was also trying to get him to play Columbia for me.

This was a a time when Jimmy and Jane were seperated, news stories had Jimmy with everyone including Kim Bassinger and fidelity was his least important goal. Cecil told me story after story about Jimmy. Cecil was his first real promoter after ABC/Dunhill signed him. (btw, Cecil also claims to be why Alabama was so big) I didn't know it, but at that time I couldn't have gotten him into columbia at gun point (Janes home town)

I could repeat all the "half truths and lies" or "Second hand news" but I chose at the time to stick my fingers in my ears and say "Na-na=na-na I can't hear You"

It all came down to this for me. Jimmy is the Jimmy I have congered up in my head. Since 1978 I have listened . enjoyed and created my own private Jimmy. If I had the opportunity in 1991 to meet him, I prolly wouldn't be a PH today. Is it La-La land, maybe, but this is my choice. And no, I will not repeat the stories

Y-NO-9-O · Post by **Y-NO-9-O** » February 13, 2004 9:04 pm

Jimmy is the Jimmy I have congered up in my head.

So well said, if not spelt.

If we all met all of our favorite artists/authors/entertainers, well, they might not be our favorite artists/authors/entertainers anymore. But we (obviously) love his music, wish to live his lifestyle, and would love nothing more than to have that 1/2 hour where our lives connected. Imagine if each one of the people who wanted to meet him got that 1/2 hour. He would never have time to tour and give the rest of us what we need so badly: one night (or 2 or 3 or 4) a year where we get lost in hedonistic pleasure, sharing the night with people aged 4 to 84.
Jimmy is Jimmy. I wouldn't ask him to change a thing (and if I get to meet him, I will tell him HI from all y'all).

Cribiansol · Post by **Cribiansol** » February 13, 2004 9:45 pm

I would love to meet Jimmy and I would also hate to meet Jimmy. I don't want my love of his music to be tarnished by an ugly meeting. Its kind of like friends sleeping together. You can never go back to just being friends. I'd rather just stick to being Jimmy's friend.......Now maybe if he let me "feel him up" a little that would be OK !!!!!!

sorry people I've had a long day

Gulf Coast Cutie · Post by **Gulf Coast Cutie** » February 13, 2004 9:47 pm

I met Jimmy once in New Orleans. Spent an evening with him. I found him to be a bit shy, sweet, polite (bought my drinks) and funny. I had a great time and it is a great memory.

bananaman · Post by **bananaman** » February 13, 2004 9:53 pm

Cribiansol wrote:I would love to meet Jimmy and I would also hate to meet Jimmy. I don't want my love of his music to be tarnished by an ugly meeting. Its kind of like friends sleeping together. You can never go back to just being friends. I'd rather just stick to being Jimmy's friend.......Now maybe if he let me "feel him up" a little that would be OK !!!!!!

sorry people I've had a long day

Very well said. I feel the same way. Ignorance is bliss.

prrthd1987 · Post by **prrthd1987** » February 13, 2004 10:38 pm

It is my dream to meet him but there is also that part of me that would be crushed if he wasn't what I expected. Being a big NASCAR fan, some of the drivers you thought would be cool turned out to be jerks. (COUGH COUGH Robby Gordon!!!) And the ones that you thought would be jerks (Tony Stewart, etc.) turned out to be really cool! Two years ago, Ricky Craven even flirted with my mom for a few minutes!

LonePalm1 · Post by **LonePalm1** » February 14, 2004 1:23 am

(Sorry so long) I'm a bartender.. I hear all sorts of stories. One our my regulars (Frank) is somewhat of a parrothead and a BIG sailor. He does races and such. Well a few years back he was down in the keys for a sailboating race. He happened to go into a restraunt and there was Jimmy promoting his new book. (i think at the time it was pirate looks at 50?) we anyhow. He and a couple of guys from his crew started up a coversation with Jimmy about sailing and JB bought him and his friends a round of drinks. Well Frank had mensioned to Jimmy about being in the race the next day and how they were a man short. So Frank invited Jimmy to come along for the race and help them out. Jimmy said he had to make a few phone calls and returned shortly there after. Agreeing to help sail the next day. So Frank told him where the boat was located and told him to be down there at 9am. So the next day Frank was down opening up the boat and down the peir walks this man in flip flops and swimming shorts. Frank invites him on board. Unfortuantly it wasnt Jimmy. But I guess here is what happened. After they made the deal with Jimmy the previous night, they left. Something had come up in Jimmy's agenda and he couldnt make it and had no way of getting ahold of any of the crew. So insead of blowing off some strangers, Jimmy paid for some sailing guru from Miami to be chartered in and fill in his place since he couldnt be there, and he didnt want to leave them high and dry.

If that story is true.. which I believe it to be. I think that just proves what a nice, humble, down to earth guy Jimmy is.

Well thats my story and Im sticking to it.

Mindy

parrotheadmike · Post by **parrotheadmike** » February 14, 2004 5:32 am

I kinda just wish this thread would fall to the back pages, can we try to arrange this!!!

It just seems to be ripping on him more than praising him, which I is okay if the stories about him are true, but nonetheless, I just dont like it, it doesn't make me very excited for the summer tour. How about we focus on the positives he has given all of us, which I am positive out way his "negatives"!!!

chalksoperations · Post by **chalksoperations** » February 14, 2004 8:29 am

A few stories here. First time I met him was very brief and informal. When I was on active duty, my squadron was attached to the USS America. He came on do get his cat shot, and when he did he also gave a little impromptu show for us in the hangar deck.
With my job now, he uses our seaplane ramp in Miami. First time I met him there, he was real nice. He said he has signed many things, but never a cruise book. Since then, he has used my office for stashing Christmas presents brought in from wherever, and I've gotten a few free lunches here and there and primo seats at his S. Florida shows for use of the ramp. He is quiet, but real busy.
Ralph Knight, who flies for Wayne Huizenga now (Dolphins owner) was always on the road. Another one of his pilots now used to fly for me and he is on the road alot as well. At a recent company party for Chalks, Billy was there and we were talking about the Hurricane that hit the outer banks. Jimmy mentioned how he should do something to help. Billy asked him what he wanted to take there and how much. Jimmy responded with an "open checkbook", whatever will fit in the plane. He picked up a few portable generators, dry goods, clothes and flew in. By chance, there was someone there who happened to have a camera, but no press release was issued. Not Jimmy's style to get PR from other peoples suffering.
He always seems nice and I have never seen him moody. And like was mentioned before, he goes to lengths to take care of those who take care of him. Unlike many who expect to be catered to and waited on hand and foot.

That's what separates him still from so many.

I'm sure I'll recall a few more antecdotes a minute after posting...

If I had any negative remarks....he lands long, could use work on his step taxi and a little more practice with the tailwheel.

SchoolGirlHeart · Post by **SchoolGirlHeart** » February 14, 2004 9:42 am

Although I can't remember where I read it, a couple of years ago I read a column in which the author related how she (he?) had been out with a friend on Long Island sound. As they were returning to their starting point (marina, launch ramp, whatever), they saw a man at a fuel dock, fueling a small boat. The author's companion said that it was Jimmy Buffett. The author scoffed. No way. Jimmy Buffett doesn't gas his own boat! So the boat owner headed toward the fuel dock to prove it. Sure enough, it was JB, and the author wrote that they had a nice ten minute-or-so conversation about fishing and the weather and then went on their respective ways, she impressed that he seemed to be such a "regular guy."

finsupnorth · Post by **finsupnorth** » February 14, 2004 9:49 am

chalksoperations wrote:A few stories here. First time I met him was very brief and informal. When I was on active duty, my squadron was attached to the USS America. He came on do get his cat shot, and when he did he also gave a little impromptu show for us in the hangar deck.
With my job now, he uses our seaplane ramp in Miami. First time I met him there, he was real nice. He said he has signed many things, but never a cruise book. Since then, he has used my office for stashing Christmas presents brought in from wherever, and I've gotten a few free lunches here and there and primo seats at his S. Florida shows for use of the ramp. He is quiet, but real busy.
Ralph Knight, who flies for Wayne Huizenga now (Dolphins owner) was always on the road. Another one of his pilots now used to fly for me and he is on the road alot as well. At a recent company party for Chalks, Billy was there and we were talking about the Hurricane that hit the outer banks. Jimmy mentioned how he should do something to help. Billy asked him what he wanted to take there and how much. Jimmy responded with an "open checkbook", whatever will fit in the plane. He picked up a few portable generators, dry goods, clothes and flew in. By chance, there was someone there who happened to have a camera, but no press release was issued. Not Jimmy's style to get PR from other peoples suffering.
He always seems nice and I have never seen him moody. And like was mentioned before, he goes to lengths to take care of those who take care of him. Unlike many who expect to be catered to and waited on hand and foot.

That's what separates him still from so many.

I'm sure I'll recall a few more antecdotes a minute after posting...

If I had any negative remarks....he lands long, could use work on his step taxi and a little more practice with the tailwheel.

That is a great story...these are the things we need to keep in mind and remember....no reason to doubt just based on a few negative or positives that get viewed to the public....it is the unpublished that is real...that is why it is unpublished...thanks for the story!!!

BTW-I will be in Miami in April, where about are you? We are going on a cruise and staying there for two days...looking for some BNers to meet up with for drinks maybe....

SchoolGirlHeart · Post by **SchoolGirlHeart** » February 14, 2004 12:13 pm

finsupnorth wrote:That is a great story...these are the things we need to keep in mind and remember....no reason to doubt just based on a few negative or positives that get viewed to the public....it is the unpublished that is real...that is why it is unpublished...thanks for the story!!!

Negative stories about celebs sell many more papers and magazines than positive stories, unfortunately, so I really think we get a biased view in the press. You usually hear the "good" stories in a place like this, or over a couple of beers or boats drinks.

Thanks for the story, Chalk!

Ceol na Mara · Post by **Ceol na Mara** » February 14, 2004 4:31 pm

12 lb. nestle crunch wrote:i know a guy who is a manager at the N.O. margaritaville, and who has come to know buffett quite well. he says that jimmy is not the talkative guy we see on stage, kicking beach balls. he is very quiet and reserved.

A few months ago, on RM, on their Friday afternoon show at the NO Margaritaville, the manager they were talking with said that sometimes Jimmy comes in and sits down at a table, and it could be half an hour before someone realizes that it's Jimmy. And then word spreads that JB is in the building!

carolinagirl · Post by **carolinagirl** » February 14, 2004 5:11 pm

BinghamtonPH wrote:I had a dream once that I met him.... he seemed like a nice guy.....

Cool, Me too! I keep dreaming that he's sailing me and my husband from Miami to the Bahamas, and we have a GREAT time together. Course I also dreamed I helped planned Elton John's wedding, and he was wonderful, too. That reminds me, Gotta go take a nap....

Ceol na Mara · Post by **Ceol na Mara** » February 14, 2004 5:21 pm

CG, your little sig line creature just freaked me out! I can't stop looking at it and laughing! It's so cute and unexpected!

Ilph · Post by **Ilph** » February 14, 2004 6:23 pm

Gulf Coast Cutie wrote:I met Jimmy once in New Orleans. Spent an evening with him. I found him to be a bit shy, sweet, polite (bought my drinks) and funny. I had a great time and it is a great memory.

What's the story? I'm really enjoying these stories of people who were lucky enough to meet him.

PirateHead Guru · Post by **PirateHead Guru** » February 15, 2004 3:05 am

Cubbie Bear wrote:Lee may be the only one qualified to truly answer this one, but here is my imput....

Cecil Corbett, the "Its all Cecils fault" from M-ville on "You Had To Be There"

I always thought it was "all-seasons fault"