On the RIAA’s 365 Songs of the Century

I encountered an odd note on one of the many Jimmy Buffett obituaries/tributes that poured forth from the Internet the past several days: Buffett’s best-know song “Margaritaville” was notably chosen for something called the “RIAA Songs of the Century.” I googled, of course. In 2001, the RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America, polled a … Continue reading On the RIAA’s 365 Songs of the Century →

7 things from last week (9/4/23)

Jimmy Buffett. I was surprised to discover how much I was a Jimmy Buffett fan in the wake of his passing. Buffett didn’t have the reputation of a great songwriter, though he was one, and there are plenty of his tunes that I listened to multiple times over the weekend. A Jimmy Buffett-themed dinner. It … Continue reading 7 things from last week (9/4/23) →

On Jimmy Buffett and “He Went to Paris”

There were many Jimmy Buffets—the obituaries and reflections I’ve read today following his death make this much clear. There was the affable beach bum, the entrepreneur, the best-selling author, the sailor—a universe of people in one person. My favorite Buffett is pre-Parrothead, before he refined the easygoing persona that he later built a billion-dollar fortune … Continue reading On Jimmy Buffett and “He Went to Paris” →