How Jimmy Buffett Finished “Margaritaville” on a Seven Mile Bridge to Paradise
Between participating in unintentional gunfights with Bono and delivering cocktails on his skiff boat, there is nothing not mysterious nor downright awesome about Jimmy Buffett. The man essentially created popularized island culture and founded a group of steadfast fans typically referred to as “Parrotheads.” Although, Buffett’s sprawling appeal might not have come to fruition if it wasn’t for his hit song, “Margaritaville.”
Anyone who has stepped into a tropical bar knows Buffett’s instant classic, “Margaritaville.” It’s a staple spring break song and a tune frequently listened to on any beach in America. Appropriately, Buffett actually wrote this song on the water. However, it was not a serene beach, rather, it was on the seven-mile bridge that connects Knight’s Key to Buffett’s stomping grounds, Key West.
How a Traffic Stop Birthed Jimmy Buffett’s Greatest Hit
As stated previously, Jimmy Buffett has a plethora of legendary tall tales. Although, how he wrote and finished his biggest hit arguably takes the cake. Buffett always claimed Key West as his home, as his creative upbringing transpired in Key West alongside writers and musicians Jim Harrison, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Thomas McGuane. Thanks to his vocational location, Buffett busked all around Florida, and one time when he was on his way back to Key West, he got stuck on Florida’s longest bridge.
According to Southern Most Beach Resort, before Buffett entered the traffic jam on the seven-mile bridge, he had already been working on his islander anthem. Although, he hadn’t finished it and that night he had a gig at Key West’s iconic bar, Crazy Ophelia’s. So, with ample time and an engaging incentive, Jimmy Buffett used the traffic stop to finish what would become his most renowned song. Furthermore, and with no practice, Buffett debuted “Margaritaville” just hours later during his show at Crazy Ophelia’s.
Following his performance at the Key West venue, Buffett released the song in 1977 on his album, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. It did in fact peak at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains as Buffett’s highest charting single of all time. However, and more importantly, it is one of the many songs that has kept Buffett’s legacy alive today. Between it being a barroom anthem and having its own chain of bars, “Margaritaville,” is an unescapable song when a good time is in the works.
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