At the 57th Annual Country Music Association awards, a vibrant tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett, the iconic king of tropical rock, unfolded with performances by Kenny Chesney, Mac MacAnally, Zac Brown Band, and Alan Jackson. The celebration, held on Wednesday evening, commemorated Buffett’s life through renditions of his beloved songs, such as “Margaritaville,” “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere,” and “Come Monday.”
Buffett, who passed away on September 1 in New York, was renowned for his music that evokes a carefree, beach-centric lifestyle with hits that resonate with fans worldwide. The tribute at the awards was a lively affair, capturing Buffett’s enthusiasm for the tropics. The audience, along with stars like Chesney, MacAnally, Zac Brown Band, and Jackson, actively participated by singing along, chanting, and hollering as colorful lights illuminated the stage adorned with rainbow parrots and palm trees.
Kenny Chesney and Mac MacAnally initiated the tribute with an acoustic cover of Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks At Forty,” showcasing their musical prowess on a smaller stage. A poignant image of Buffett graced the screen behind them, bathed in blue lights that accentuated the heartfelt performance.
Transitioning to the main stage, Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson took the spotlight with a rendition of the timeless “Margaritaville.” A slideshow of Buffett’s memorable moments played in the background, featuring the artist grinning and sun-kissed, often aboard a sailboat.
In classic Buffett fashion, Zac Brown donned beachy shorts and opted for a shoeless appearance, while Alan Jackson sported sunglasses indoors. Together, they engaged the crowd in singing the famous lyrics, “Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville / Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt,” with the audience energetically chanting “Salt, salt, salt!” The performance culminated in a joyous atmosphere, as attendees danced and smiled, paying tribute to Jimmy Buffett’s legacy with exuberance and heartfelt celebration.
