Post #80633 by TikiTex on Sat, Mar 13, 2004 8:41 AM

Ya know, I can understand someone -- here, especially -- thinking JB's music doesn't belong in a tiki bar, because it doesn't! But that's a long way from bashing the man himself. I realize there is a certain level of frustration in being a fan of tiki these days; sometimes it seems no one gets it! So naturally the opportunity to vent in the company of like-minded people is a pleasant release. However, unless you've listened to all three dozen of Buffett's albums and heard his serious songs (e.g., his dad's battle with Alzheimers, "False Echoes," an old war hero returning to a country where no one cares, "They're Sending the Old Man Home," an account of an old man who lost his wife and son in WWII, "He Went to Paris," and on and on), instead of stupid songs about Cheeseburgers and getting drunk, you're really lending a decided Beavis & Butthead approach to Buffett-bashing. (Which, actually, is kinda cool; I like B&B.) But I digress. As for him being an asshole, take a moment to peruse a letter his sister Lucy recently wrote in response to some of his critics, people who badmouthed him for not "growing up." To wit:

"Jimmy Buffett is fifty seven years old and has been married to his wife Jane for over 26 years. He has three beautiful children for whom he cooks breakfast and drives to school many days a week when he is not on the road. He has been working since he was twelve. He threw papers, bagged groceries at Delchamps, was a welder’s helper at Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company where our parents worked for 35 years. He has a BS degree in History and worked as a reporter for Billboard Magazine. He has worked in the music business for over 35 years. He has sold millions of albums of songs that he primarily wrote. He has had two national best selling books. He runs a multi-million dollar corporation that has diversified into merchandise, restaurants, tequila, shrimp, and I don’t even know anymore what else. He loves to surf. He’s an awesome poet. He sent my children to college, along with many other kids who have needed help. He has a foundation that gives away millions of dollars each year earmarked for families, children, animals, the arts, and the environment.

The first house he ever bought was for his wife. The second was for our parents in Daphne on the water. It was their dream and they named it Homeport. They were able to retire and enjoy the rest of their lives in comfort. He always included them in his exciting travels and adventures. When they became ill and their physical mobility was limited, he bought them another house in Point Clear so that they could be closer to the water. They named it Point Homeport. In the last ten years of their lives, he provided them both with twenty-four hour care so that they would never have to leave the Homeport they cherished until they died. (Which they both did last year.)

Jimmy is not afraid to have public and political opinions. Even if it results in hard consequences, like not having his sister’s restaurant’s lease renewed by the State of Alabama. He learned that from our mother, who at 16 gave her high school commencement speech on the power of the people to change government for the better with the power of the vote. She also taught us to accept, respect, and love people no matter their race, religion, or political orientation. Why, some of our best friends are Republicans!

Jimmy Buffett is not a saint. He’ll be the first to admit it. He’s much more comfortable with the reputation of being a fallen altar boy. He works hard and likes his job. He learned that from our father. He inspires millions of people to stop and smell the roses, or more accurately, to feel the sand under their toes. He believed in LuLu’s from day one. He will not give you a handout. He’ll give you an opportunity. He won’t do it for you but he’ll help you. He’s wise that way. To him and to the many people who appreciate him I owe a world of gratitude. If growing up is NOT doing the above, I hope I never grow up!"

I'm sure I'm going get pummelled, but I couldn't care less. Just as it's your "duty" to clarify tiki misconceptions, it is mine, as a Buffett fan, to dispel those about Jimmy regardless of where I find them. A misconception is a misconception, and if it is unfair and just plain WRONG, I will correct it. As far as Buffett being an asshole during the production of DTtC, that's entirely subjective. I imagine there were few, if any, surviving cast and crew who were complaining. Which is usually the case. I'm sure I'm acquainted with as many, if not more, people who work/ed with Buffett as anyone here, and he is known for being a loyal and generous boss. Few people will ever know the good things he's done with his wealth, but I've made my point. Now go ahead, fire away. Just know what you're talking about first.