Singer worth $1b behind viral TikTok sound dead aged 76

Jimmy Buffett, the legendary singer-songwriter behind the music and US restaurant chain Margaritaville has died aged 76.

His household shared the emotional news on Saturday (Friday US time).

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” the wrote.

“He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

Buffett leaves behind his spouse of greater than 46 years Jane Slagsvol and three youngsters.

He was one of many world’s richest musicians and died with a internet value of greater than $1 billion.

Buffett was born in 1946 in Mississippi and produced greater than 50 albums all through his profession.

Pre-fame he was a fourth technology sailor and learnt to fly seaplanes.

Margaritaville, launched in 1977 was most likely his most well-known hit a couple of man spending a season at a seashore resort and describing his day-to-day life.

It featured the long-lasting line, “Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville. Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt.”

More just lately the music skilled a resurgence as a viral sound on TikTok.

The music was initially speculated to be recorded by Elvis Presley however he declined and died the identical yr it was launched.

He was additionally identified for songs Come Monday and Cheeseburger in Paradise, with nearly all of his albums going gold, platinum or multi-platinum within the US.

Buffett cultivated a ‘beach bum’ persona and produced music described as ‘tropical rock’.

He took benefit of this persona and channelled it into various business ventures with a tropical theme.

Buffett had a report label, a beer line, casinos, naming rights to a soccer stadium, a online game, retirement village, a stake in eating places and even a hashish model.

In 2023, a species of crustacean Gnathia jimmybuffetti, was named after Buffett.

He was admitted to hospital in May 2023, and shared the news on his weblog.

“Two days ago, I was just back from a trip to the Bahamas, thawing out from the California ‘winter tour,’ and chomping at the bit to get to Charleston,” he wrote.

“I had to stop in Boston for a check-up but wound up back in the hospital to address some issues that needed immediate attention.