Jimmy Buffett, the Margaritaville singer, has died at the age of 76

US singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, best known for his 1970s hit Margaritaville, has passed away at the age of 76. Born in Mississippi, he was raised in Alabama before moving to Nashville, Tennessee. He worked for Billboard, a music and entertainment magazine, and later moved to Florida, where he helped create the tropical rock genre. Buffett's musical breakthrough was his 1977 album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, which included the song Margaritaville, which enjoyed 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other hits include Fins, Come Monday, and Son of a Son of a Sailor.

Buffett was nominated for two Grammy awards and released more than 20 albums. He also recorded a new work and turned his songs into a musical, Escape to Margaritaville, which made its Broadway debut in 2018. His music and "beach bum" lifestyle earned him a devoted following of millions of fans, known as Parrotheads.

Tributes have been made by fellow musicians, including Elton John, who said Buffett was "a unique and treasured entertainer" who had "gone way too soon." Brian Wilson tweeted a picture of one of Buffett's album covers with the message "love and mercy, Jimmy Buffett." LL Cool J wrote "Rest in power @jimmybuffett I'm glad we had time to vibe."

Buffett performed regularly with his Coral Reefer Band but had to cancel shows after being hospitalized in May. He promised to make up to fans once he was "in shape" and said playing is as therapeutic for him as it is for fans to listen and sing along. Buffett was also a best-selling author and entrepreneur who opened up popular resorts, clubs, restaurants, merchandise shops, and retirement communities based on the Margaritaville brand. His net worth was estimated by Forces to be $1bn (£794m).