News
Remembering Jimmy Buffett
Sep 3, 2023Jimmy Buffett invented his own character, which, in a sense we all do: invent, assemble, inherit, or fall into our inner identity. But Jimmy was the founder of an actual tribe: tens of thousands of us made our way to where he was holding court, just to be near him.
People say he was a lord of life and that’s true: somewhere between Falstaff and the pirate, Jean Laffite. But to me, my friend Jimmy Buffet was a real example of a man: no puffed up defensive macho bullshit, but a model of how to enjoy the great gift of being alive. And that’s what he shared so generously with us: a positive enthusiasm at being here. That so few of us knew how ill he was is essential Jimmy Buffett: he had no intention of burdening us with his illness.
He told me a story about him and Savannah wake surfing in a harbor somewhere: there was a huge freighter leaving port and Jimmy got the captain on the radio. The guy was a ParrotHead and he adjusted his course and speed to give Jimmy the perfect ride. And what a ride it’s been.
So long old pal.
~ James Taylor
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesSo, goodnight all you moonlight ladies…
Sep 1, 2023Let James take you away with his classic lullaby, “Sweet Baby James”, in this performance at the Blossom Music Center in 1979. Watch now below!
<em>Live</em> LP reissue
Aug 31, 2023Originally released in 1993, Live is the latest JT album to get the reissue treatment from Music On Vinyl! Available September 22 and limited to 1,500 copies, this 2-LP set will be pressed on orange marbled vinyl. For more information, please visit MusicOnVinyl.com.
Isn’t it a lovely ride?
Aug 25, 2023Click below to enjoy a rarely seen solo acoustic rendition of “Secret O’ Life” that James recorded for the BBC’s long-running music program, The Old Grey Whistle Test, which aired on November 1, 1977.
You never know what JT will find in his video vault – subscribe to his official YouTube channel now!
Begging you s’il vous plait…
Aug 18, 2023Dare you to sit still for this one! James and the band blast through Danny Kortchmar’s “Honey Don’t Leave LA” (which James recorded on his 1977 album JT), in this footage from July 1979 at the Blossom Music Center. Click now to watch.
I guess I’ll have to go…
Aug 11, 2023In the latest release from JT’s video vault, James and the band take a trip to “Mexico”! Click now to watch this footage from James’s 1979 show at the Blossom Music Festival.
JT to the rescue!
Aug 9, 2023In case you missed it: James, Kim and Henry were surprise guests at the Newport Folk Festival on July 28, subbing for a sick performer at the last minute. Read more about the show, and how James got involved, at BerkshireEagle.com.
Photo: Photo: Nina WesterveltAny other man stops and talks…
Aug 4, 2023In this vintage footage from his July 1979 show at Ohio’s Blossom Music Center, James and the band get into the groove on the title track from JT’s 1974 album, Walking Man. Watch now!
Flag vinyl reissue coming soon!
Aug 4, 2023The folks at Music On Vinyl have announced the next in their series of JT LP reissues — James’s 1979 album, Flag, pressed on hot pink vinyl and limited to 1,000 copies, will hit shelves next month! For more information, please visit MusicOnVinyl.com.
1993 Late Show interview
Jul 28, 2023Click now to see James speak about the stories behind “The Frozen Man” and “Fire And Rain”, his time in London in the 60s, and songwriting in this clip from a November 1993 episode of the BBC program, The Late Show.