This year, America lost one of its best-loved musicians, Jimmy Buffett. Over his career, Buffett released 32 albums, and Al Shipley at SPIN Magazine has ranked them, writing: Shortly before his death in September at the age of 76, Buffett finished his 32nd studio album Equal Strain on All Parts, backed by his longtime Coral Reefer Band as well as guests like Paul McCartney and Emmylou Harris. Where does the album rank among the highlights and lowlights of Buffett’s massive discography? SPIN's ranking is: 32. Somewhere Over China (1982) 31. Hot Water (1988) 30. Banana … [Read more...]

I was driving past First Beach in Newport, RI, this past weekend, watching the waves from Hurricane Lee forming an offshore break from a northerly wind. It was peaceful. And it reminded me of the song “Oldest Surfer on the Beach” by Jimmy Buffett. Appearing on the 2013 album Songs from St. Somewhere, it was written for JB by the great Mark Knopfler. You can’t help but recognize the guitar work by the Sultan of Swing. As the song fades away, it’s as if an empty board drifts away without the oldest surfer on the beach. Surf on Jimmy. … [Read more...]

When Jimmy Buffett gave the commencement speech to graduates at the University of Miami, he explained his formula for success: Talent is 10%, luck is 20%, work is 30%, and passion is 40%. Hearing that about work and passion, Your Survival Guy exclaimed to himself: "So you're saying there's a chance! If I can control 70% of my destiny, there's no reason why I can't make it work. Life is what you make it." Thank you, Jimmy. … [Read more...]

Jimmy Buffett—just writing his name makes me think of a different place and time—will be remembered as a pirate who brought his listeners treasure. What a blow it was Saturday morning after learning that he died the night before. In an instant, I knew what it felt like the day the music died. My life flashed before my eyes, the memories of living life with his songs. His Labor Day weekend shows at Great Woods in Mansfield, MA, now over. Every time we'd prepare for a family party, I'd prep with his music playing. For birthdays, we'd have "Lovely Cruise" playing. We had Jimmy Buffett's … [Read more...]

With all the talk about artificial intelligence, it’s still hard to replace the man with a machine. … [Read more...]

"If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life And I had to start again With just my children and my wife I'd thank my lucky stars To be living here today 'Cause the flag still stands for freedom And they can't take that away And I'm proud to be an American Where at least I know I'm free And I won't forget the men who died Who gave that right to me And I gladly stand up next to you And defend her still today 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A. From the lakes of Minnesota To the hills of Tennessee Across the plains of Texas From … [Read more...]

Rock legend Jeff Beck passed away yesterday. Rolling Stone's Daniel Kreps and Kory Grow write in Beck's obituary: JEFF BECK, THE blues-rock innovator and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who revolutionized how the guitar is played, died Tuesday at the age of 78. Beck’s family confirmed the former Yardbirds guitarist’s death Wednesday. “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” Beck’s family said in a statement. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family … [Read more...]

Singer-songwriter Christine McVie of the famous rock band, Fleetwood Mac, has passed away peacefully at age 79 with family surrounding her in the hospital. British-born McVie was the author of some of Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits, including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don't Stop, Say You Love Me, and Songbird. The BBC's Robert Greenall and George Bowden discuss McVie's life and contributions to rock and roll, writing: The family's statement said "we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved … [Read more...]