Which singer kept searching for his “long lost salt shaker with salt”?
TITANSOFTRIVIA.COM
QUESTION OF THE DAY
DECEMBER 13, 2020
The answer of course is Jimmy Buffet, who has not only built one of the largest and most devoted fan followings of any modern musician, he’s also been one of the most commercially successfull. It wasn’t always the case though. Let’s learn some trivia about Jimmy Buffet.
Fun Facts about Jimmy Buffet
1. His Backing Band is Called the Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy’s legendary Coral Reefer Band has been touring and recording with him since 1974. Initially, the band consisted of fictional performers with names like Al Vacado and Kay Pasa, but these days, they’re all the real deal! Over the years, several big names have spent time in the Coral Reefer Band, including Timothy B. Schmit (who also has the distinction of coining the name “Parrotheads”), John Hiatt, and Jerry Jeff Walker. There have also been plenty of special guests and honorary Coral Reefers over the years, including Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Brian Wilson, and Roy Orbison. Ric Flair is even an honorary Coral Reefer for once providing—what else?—”background woos” during a live concert.
2. He Calls his Genre of Music “Gulf and Western”
Jimmy Buffett’s music has appeared on many different charts. He’s been on the Hot 200, the Top Country Albums chart, the Easy Listening chart, and more. Talk about being a bit of a musical chameleon! So how does Jimmy describe his music? Well, in the late 70s he called it “Drunken Caribbean Rock ‘n’ Roll!” These days, however, “Gulf and Western” is the preferred descriptor for fans—and even Buffett himself! So what is Gulf and Western music? Well, it combines elements of rock, pop, folk, and country with Caribbean music and adds in a dash of tropics-inspired lyrical themes. Sounds like perfection to us!
3. Hes also a best-selling author
Sure, he makes great music. But have you read his books? Throughout his career, Jimmy Buffett has written three number-one best sellers: the short-stories collection, Tales From Margaritaville, the novel, Where is Joe Merchant?, and his biography, A Pirate Looks at Fifty. Having topped both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists has put Jimmy in rare company. In fact, only seven other authors have achieved this level of success, including Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and Dr. Seuss!
4. He has Sold Over 20 Million Albums World Wide
With 29 studio albums under his belt, it shouldn’t surprise you the Jimmy Buffett has sold a lot of records—more than 20 million! His best selling album is the iconic Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, which is certified platinum in the US. This album marks the first appearance of Margaritaville, which went to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and to this date is still Jimmy’s highest-charting single.
4. He has Sold Over 20 Million Albums World Wide
For a man who’s made a career championing the benefits of taking it easy and relaxing, Jimmy Buffett sure is a hard worker! Over his 50 year career, Jimmy has embarked on more than 40 tours! From the Pink Crustacean Tour of 1976 to the Son of a Son of a Sailor Tour that kicked off in 2018, Buffett has played shows for millions and millions of people—and at these shows, he often performs what is known as “The Big 8.” These are Buffett’s most popular songs:
Margaritaville
Come Monday
Fins
Volcano
A Pirate Looks at Forty
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Why Don’t We Get Drunk
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes