I’m writing this on April 11, 2024. Jimmy’s band The Coral Reefer Band and many big name artists from Paul McCartney to Jackson Browne, Eagles and Snoop Dog will be paying tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett. Many of his songs will be performed and I’m sure it will be a lasting memory for everyone in the audience at the Hollywood Bowl.
Michael Utley, the musician Jimmy collaborated with the most both on records and in live performance, told me “Jimmy will be smiling on us.” It won’t be forgotten by the performers either.
Unlike songwriters like Burt Bacharach, Jimmy’s songs are famous for his own versions. Nobody can do those tunes like him. He was one of those singers who conveyed so much personality and even mystique in his songs. Nonetheless, many great singers have done Buffett’s songs justice.
I’m going to explore five of the best interpretations of Jimmy Buffett songs. All of these are other artists covering songs Jimmy wrote and co-wrote.
HE WENT TO PARIS — Waylon Jennings
At the top of my list is the Waylon Jennings cover of “He Went to Paris,” from his 1980 album “Music Man.” First of all, Waylon could do no wrong and the whole album is great. It includes a few songs Waylon wrote and lots of outside songs including the Steely Dan song “Do It Again.”
On “He Went to Paris,” he let the lyrics speak for themselves. It’s a straightforward version. Waylon could make any song his own. He was very good at selecting good songs.
Jimmy once tipped his hat to the Texas songwriters in his song “Migration.” To have one of the best Texas troubadours do this song must have felt great. “He Went to Paris” is such a great song. If you think so, you’re in good company. Bob Dylan mentioned “He Went to Paris” to interviewer Bill Flanagan as one of his favorites.
RAILROAD LADY — Todd Snider
I consider “Railroad Lady,” one of Jimmy Buffett’s most underrated songs. If you want to get some more background on this song, including hearing a clip of Jerry Jeff Walker telling me about the tune, look up my commentary: “4 Underrated Jimmy Buffett Songs of the 1970s.” You can watch it for free.
“Railroad Lady,” was the first song of Jimmy Buffett’s recorded by another singer. At one point in his career, he was actively pitching his songs for other artists to record, something he gave up completely. Lefty Frizzell was the first and he even cut it before Jimmy Buffett recorded it himself.
The song was lucky for Jimmy. Co-writer Jerry Jeff Walker recorded a studio and live version. Willie Nelson put it on his 1977 album “To Lefty from Willie.” Merle Haggard even recorded it. Great version too, and for a long time it remained my favorite.
Then in 2012, Todd Snider recorded it for his salute to Jerry Jeff Walker: “Time As We Know It.” His version is personal, sparse and almost innocent. It’s honest storytelling. He just got it.
The song must have been especially significant to Todd Snider, given his history with both Jerry Jeff Walker and Jimmy Buffett. That same year, Todd recorded his version of “West Nashville Grand Ballroom Gown.”
I recall being backstage at the Georgia Theatre. Todd was talking about Jimmy Buffett and Jerry Jeff and had this to say:
LISTEN.
I sure hope Todd is doing well. I’d love to see him again. Maybe he’ll get in touch.
IF THE PHONE DOESN’T RING IT’S ME — Crystal Gayle
Jimmy Buffett didn’t always fit into categories. Usually, he was one. He still is. But, “If the Phone Doesn’t Ring It’s Me,” is definitely a country song. Jimmy wrote this with lyricist Will Jennings, with Michael Utley providing the plaintive melody.
I wonder how Crystal Gayle came to hear this one, but she really nailed it, especially her delivery of “it’s too bad we can’t turn and live in the past.” The song actually charted for Crystal Gayle.
She’s such a phenomenal singer. Side note: check out her new release with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. She sings “Sentimental Journey.” Wow.
How many of you all have heard the Crystal Gayle version of “If the Phone Doesn’t Ring It’s Me.”
LA VIE DANSANTE — Aaron Neville
If Jimmy Buffett had a universal song, it’s “La Vie Dansante.” It was recorded by Aaron Neville on his “Warm Your Heart,” album. I believe this spread the song to more people around the world than Jimmy’s version. I’ve heard from people in West Africa who know the song.
The lyrics talk about “playing the part with feeling.” Aaron sang Jimmy’s song with feeling, that’s for sure. It’s been done in reggae and other styles. Singers from France to Hawaii have done it, but the Aaron Neville version undoubtedly did Jimmy proud.
The “Warm Your Heart” album is among one of Aaron’s best. Usually when Aaron Neville records something, it becomes the definitive version. From Bob Dylan to the Main Ingredient, Aaron masterfully sings songs. He’s the man.
WONDER WHY WE EVER GO HOME — Nadirah Shakoor
Nadirah Shakoor, who sang in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band for almost 30 years, did a whole album of mostly Buffett covers, aptly entitled “Nod to the Storyteller.” I think she did the best Buffett interpretation ever. Maybe I’m biased because I think it was Jimmy’s greatest song of the 1970s.
Nadirah ’s album “Nod to the Storyteller” was released in 2008 on Jimmy’s Mailboat Records. She did a transcendent version of “Wonder Why We Ever Go Home,” and it very much affects me to this day. There’s just a touch of sorrow in Nadirah’s delivery. I’m reminded of the Neil Diamond lyric: “Funny thing, but you can sing it with a cry in your voice.” It’s something I’ve noticed for a long time — a great song is one that makes you recall other great songs like it. It’s a worldwide symphony.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
OYSTERS AND PEARLS — Mac McAnally
This first one: “Oysters and Pearls” is brand new, and I don’t know if it qualifies as a cover, given that Mac McAnally is one of the co-writers. It’s got one of the more spiritual lyrics from Jimmy’s songs: “There’s something more than DNA, that tells us who we are.”
The music and playing on this new single from Mac McAnally is phenomenal. It starts teasing “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” It very much moved me, so I’m listing it here.
COME MONDAY — Kenny Chesney / MARGARITAVILLE – Alan Jackson
I’d also like to list Kenny Chesney’s recording of “Come Monday,” and Alan Jackson’s version of “Margaritaville” from his excellent “Under the Influence” album. Jimmy even lended a little help on vocals, something that would happen again later to even greater success.
CONCLUSION
Jimmy Buffett’s songs have been recorded in French, German and Spanish, and hopefully they will continue to find their way into the hearts of other singers. It’s my sincere wish that the Jimmy Buffett Songbook endures. The songs are fantastic, and now that he has passed on, I hope and encourage singers and bands to look at his incredible catalog.
Maybe Jack Jones will cover “Honey Do,” or George Strait will put his stellar vocals on “Livingston’s Gone to Texas.” Who knows? Only time will tell.
And if you’re not a singer: look up these versions of Buffett songs. Tune out anything that might distract you and truly enjoy the great words and music… and the performances. It’s the best way to love the now.
Like the Grateful Dead after the passing of Jerry Garcia, or Little Feat after the passing of Lowell George, it’s by no means the end. It is the beginning of a different era. The music keeps playing.
“There’s still so much to be done.”
