1984

JIMMY BUFFETT

I first heard of Jimmy Buffett back in 1970 when his manager and song publisher at the time, Don Light, wanted to play me some music by a new artist he had found. The first song I heard was “Come Monday” from Jimmy’s album Living and Dying in ¾ Time on ABC Records. His producer eventually became Norbert Putnam, who produced the hit song “Margaritaville.” Norbert was a close friend and I pitched songs for his publishing company Danor Music. From that relationship, I ended up getting to hang with Buffett a lot!

In 1984 Jimmy Bowen brought me in as co-producer on Jimmy Buffett’s next two albums, Riddles in the Sand and Last Mango in Paris. During that time, we really did become best buds; I loved his energy and his clever brain.

I learned quickly that Jimmy’s brand is much larger than just music. His powerhouse licensing stretches across restaurants, frozen foods, beer, tequila, footwear, and even naming rights to an NFL stadium! Not many artists can claim to have a loyal fan club like Buffett’s Parrot Heads. You need to go to a Jimmy Buffett concert to experience the craziness.

It was a good day when I met this amazing creative soul and I’m glad we remain friends to this day! Working with Jimmy sure raised my cool factor!

“Tony Brown, you don’t look as old as I know you are.”

Jimmy Buffett

Celebrating 2 million in sales of Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads box set (1992).

MARGARITAS, HOUSE PARTIES, AND CLOSE CELEBRITY FRIENDS. BUFFETT IS THE COOLEST DUDE OF THEM ALL.

At Sound Stage Studios cutting Buffett and Glenn Frey’s collaboration on “Gypsies in the Palace.”

Post CMA Awards party at my home on Tyne Boulevard, Nashville (2008).