Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday at age 76. The artist passed away in his home due to lymphoma caused by a skin cancer he was diagnosed with four years ago, according to TMZ. The news was released by his team through a statement published on their social networks:
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Buffett, born Dec. 25, 1946 in Pascagoula, Miss., is known for his hit "Margaritaville." However, his musical career began much earlier. The artist decided to pursue his dream and become a country singer as soon as he finished college. He moved to Nashville, Tenn., and began working with a cover band. Following this, he decided to take the leap and start a solo career.
In the early '70s he got his first record deal. As a result of this, he released his first album, "Down to Earth," which did not attract too much attention. However, he didn't give up. He decided to move to Florida and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, that's when he "adopted the laid-back beach-bum persona that he is most recognized for today."
In 1973, his name began to surface in the world of music. That year he released "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean." However, real success did not come until his sixth album, titled "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes." Released in 1977, that album included his most famous song, "Margaritaville." The following year, he released "Son of a Son of a Sailor," which included another of his greatest hits, "Cheeseburger in Paradise."
From musician to entrepreneur
Buffet's success began with "Margaritaville." He released more than 30 albums in his more than 50-year career. Thirteen of his songs made it to the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including "Margaritaville."
Buffet had arguably as much success in business as he did as an artist. Once Buffett saw the success of his "beach bum" image, he decided to take advantage of his fame. He expanded his brand and launched several books and a clothing line. However, his great success was creating a chain of restaurants and hotels that, in honor of his song, he named Margaritaville.
He also made appearances on the big and small screen, acting in films such as "Jurassic World" and "Billionaire Boys Club" as well as television series such as "Hawaii Five-0" and "Blue Bloods."
