On September 1, 2023, the world lost more than a legendary Southern musician.
When I saw that first text saying thatJimmy Buffett had died, I couldnt believe my eyes.
Yes, I knew that hed been having health issues, but death?
Buffett and Chapman perform in concert together. Chapman joined Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band in 1987 to play rhythm guitar and sing background vocals.Credit:Courtesy Marshall Chapman
Something like an entire season.
Summer, for instance.
Courtesy Marshall Chapman
Learning About The Legend
I first heard about Jimmy in the summer of 1973.
Buffett and Chapman perform in concert together. Chapman joined Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band in 1987 to play rhythm guitar and sing background vocals.Credit:Courtesy Marshall Chapman
Here, he said, handing me the LP.
I think you might like this.
Its a little bit different.
Buffet and Chapman embark on the summer tour.Credit:Courtesy of Marshall Chapman
Jimmy was splayed out in an easy chair nursing a longneck beer when his manager introduced us.
Not knowing what else to say, I asked him to dance.
No way, man, he said, his eyes big as saucers.
Youre way too tall.
Courtesy of Marshall Chapman
Ironically, 10 years later, Jimmy would ask me to dance.
We were at Sound Stage Studios inNashville,listening to a playback of his Last Mango in Paris album.
Barnum, and one-third Huey Long.
But he was much more than that.
He was a generous and loyalfamily man, friend, and employer.
It was always easy to surrender whenever I found myself in his inner circle.
Sail on, my friend.
