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Jimmy Buffett is a Christmas baby, just like your author! Born quite a few years earlier, though!The future "beach bum" was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, December 25, 1946.

Jimmy spent part of his childhood in Mobile, Alabama, although he credits Fairhope Alabama as his hometown.  In gradeschool, he played the trombone in the school band. He began playing the guitar in college, and graduated from the University of  Southern Mississippi in 1969, with a degree in history.

After college, Buffett worked as a Nashville correspondent for Billboard Magazine (1969-1970).

In 1969, he recorded his debut album as a country artist. "Down To Earth," released in 1970, garnered little notice. This didn't bother Jimmy. He went back into the studio to record a second album for Barnaby Records. Conveniently, the fledgling record company "lost" the master tapes for "High Cumberland Jubilee." Years later, after Jimmy had found success, miraculously, the "lost" tapes were found...and the album was released!

After a late 1971 visit to Key West, Florida, Jimmy Buffett moved there, and began to perfect his easy-going beach bum personna.  And, while the country music world didn't know what to do with him, Jimmy began to combine country, folk and pop music, along with tropical coast themes. Its often referred to as "Gulf And Western."

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Several albums followed...the big breakthrough coming in 1977, with the release of "Margaritaville" (#8/1977) off the "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes" album.

Summer after summer, you put "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger In Paradise" in New Jersey 101.5 summer songs countdowns!

From the 1980s, through today, Jimmy Buffett has proved to be a popular concert artist. His devoted legions of fans are called "Parrotheads."

Jimmy Buffett has released over 30 studio albums. He has penned three #1 best seller fiction books, and 2 children's books. He has made numerous cameo appearances on televison shows over the years, and contributed soundtrack music for movies and TV.

Jimmy Buffett also owns several restaurants and cafes, using the names "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger In Paradise." Late July brought an announcement that "Margaritaville" will be coming to Resorts in Atlantic City by May of next year.

On the personal side, Buffett has been married twice. He has 2 daughters, and an adopted son.

Catch Jimmy Buffett tonight (Saturday) at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall.

Click here for Jimmy Buffett's official website!

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