American Singer songwriter, businessman and yachtsman Jimmy Buffet passed away on the 1st of September from a rare skin cancer lymphoma at the age of 76. Anyone who has crewed yachts in the Caribbean knows his music. Most American charter guests didn’t feel their island experience was complete without Buffet’s music in the background.
Photographer and Caribbean socialite Jean Jarreau shares his Jimmy Buffet tribute and pictures from which it is clear that the Windward / Leeward Islands were Jimmy’s happy place.
I’ve know Jimmy Buffet for many years and was introduced to him in St.Barthélemy by Roger Bouteille. Roger ran shops in St.Barth’s and St.Maarten selling Jimmy Buffet T-shirts and other merchandise under the “Last Mango in Paradise” brand.
Over the years I regularly bumped into Jimmy when he was out on his sailboat in Gustavia or performing, singing and playing guitar at the Bucket Regattas and other events “just for fun”.
Being European and only knowing Jimmy in his most relaxed environment, his superstar status dawned on me when I saw the US crowds flocking to St.Barth’s when the rumour was out that Jimmy was playing in the next days or weeks.
During one of the Caribbean regattas in 2007, he told me his plans for an open air performance in Anguilla at Bankie Banx’s “The Dunes”. Jimmy asked if I could fly over with the helicopter and make some pictures. We agreed after two beers!
Later on, and I don’t know after how many other gigs and concerts, Jimmy came back to St.Barth’s every year and played -I don’t know how many times- during regattas, the anniversary of the Bar / Restaurant Le Select and other occasions.
During the day, he was always out sailing, with a big smile on his face.
During the 2023 Bucket Regatta I was on a tender with our friend Hugues from Hugues Marine in St.Barth’s. Jimmy was invited to helm the classic sailing yacht Ticonderoga and passed by just after the finish line. He called us over and asked us if we could bring him to the 135 Meter superyacht of his friend David Geffen, where he was invited for lunch.
We had a quick catch up and I remember talking about the memorable 2007 Anguilla concert and a few other anecdotes. We agreed to have a proper catch up during the 2024 Bucket Regatta and even planned to do a video interview and photo shoot…
I’m gutted that this will now never happen…
Fair winds Jimmy and rest in peace. Your music and legacy will love on forever!
All pictures copyright Jean Jarreau
