In the heart of my childhood, I met my best friend, the daughter of an avid Jimmy Buffett fan. Little did I know that this meeting would lead to a lifelong appreciation for the man and his music, and that this connection would remain a cherished part of my life, even after his passing this month.
It all began when my best friend and her dad invited me to join them on a journey I was entirely unprepared for – Jimmy Buffett’s “Fruitcakes” tour. At 14 years old, my musical world was limited to adult contemporary and country, and I had never heard of Jimmy Buffett. But as the tickets arrived in the mail my friend took it upon herself to initiate me into the world of Jimmy’s lyrics.
She pulled out old cassette inserts, treating them like sacred texts. I remember feeling like I was studying for an exam as she meticulously went through each lyric, explaining their stories, and ensuring I understood the essence of every song. She was determined that by the time the concert day arrived, I’d be a full-fledged “parrothead.”
The journey to the concert was as much a part of my initiation as the concert itself. My friend put my Buffett knowledge to the test, making me sing along to every song on the iconic yellow Jimmy Buffett tape. I vividly recall her demanding that I master every word of “Fruitcakes” and “Cousin in Miami,” two songs from the tour.
That night, in the Memphis Pyramid and with the carribean sounding band playing loudly, I experienced my very first concert. The energy, the community, and the music of Jimmy Buffett left an indelible mark on me. I had officially become a fan, and soon, I was the designated DJ for all our beach trips, always hitting play on “One Particular Harbor” as we turned onto I-10.
One summer during our beach vacay, I stumbled upon a piece of art that instantly reminded me of a Jimmy Buffett album cover. In those days, mobile phones weren’t accessible, and I didn’t have my film camera with me. But the memory of that art stayed with me.
Fast forward to this summer, and a walk down memory lane in a box of momentos led me to a torn-out check register page. As I examined it, I realized it contained all the words from that piece of art I had encountered at that eclectic beach store so many years ago. I remember asking my mom for something out of her purse to sketch it.
From my mind’s eye, I set out to recreate the artwork, my reference being none other than the Jimmy Buffett “Fruitcakes” album. I couldn’t afford the original as a teenager, so I decided to do my best to recreate it for fun at 40.
Jimmy, this tribute is for you – the artist, the storyteller, and the soundtrack to my once-in-a-lifetime friendship and every beach trip from here to eternity. Your music and your writing continues to inspire me. Thank you for the memories, the giggles at your lyrics, and the songs that will always be apart of me. 🌴🎶🏖️
For your Friday listening pleasure…
FRUITCAKES!
Create Everyday 