Everyone across the music industry is still trying to grapple with the devastating loss of Jimmy Buffett, who sadly passed away at the age of 76 this past Saturday.
It’s hard to find someone who got more enjoyment out of life than Jimmy Buffett, who managed to make his love for the beach a way of life, and spread that coastal joy throughout the world with his timeless, tropical music.
Songs like “Margaritaville,” “Fins,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise” (along with the rest of his expansive ocean-themed catalogue) will never go out of style, and will always keep the spirit of Jimmy Buffett alive and well.
Buffett wasn’t exactly considered country music, but the theming of his songs definitely had a lot in common with the country genre.
Plus, he often worked in tandem with country artists, and it would be hard to say that Buffet’s buffet of seemingly effortless songs and songwriting didn’t have somewhat of an impact on country music.
That’s why so many legendary country music artists paid tribute to the leader of the “Parrotheads” when he passed away this past weekend. The likes of Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, The Oakridge Boys, and Blake Shelton all took to social media to share their thoughtful messages honoring Jimmy Buffett.
The song “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” with Alan Jackson was arguably his most famous crossover with country music, but Jimmy Buffett shared the stage with many other country music stars on various occasions. One of those times that might be overlooked is when a star-studded cast of country music’s best joined Jimmy Buffett to perform a cover of a Hank Williams song.
There’s a small chance that you’ve never seen or heard this legendary country collaboration, and you are in luck if you haven’t.
Buffett gathered Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and George Strait to help him sing “Hey Good Lookin’,” which of course was originally written and performed by Hank Williams all the way back in 1951.
Buffett’s cover version of the classic tune was included on his 2004 album License to Chill, and the rendition jam-packed with country cameos made it all the way to number eight on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart upon its release.
All in all, the song is a hell of a good time and is perfectly orchestrated, and though there were plenty of talented artists singing on the track, each line and verse was divided up beautifully.
Take a listen:
What a legendary performance, and one that country music fans will hold a little closer to their heart from here on out.
No amount of Margaritas can make the pain go away. Rest in Peace Jimmy Buffett, a legend that will forever live on.
