When the news came out that singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, a staunch progressive who for years donated to Democratic lawmakers, candidates, and causes, it seemed as if the entire Democratic Party came out to mourn his death and praised his legacy.
Democratic lawmakers like Reps. Kathy Castor and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who grew up listening to Buffett and later embraced him as a friend and political supporter, expressed their sorrow over his battle with skin cancer and death.
“The incredibly sad news of the loss of Jimmy Buffett took a piece of Florida’s heart. Florida was lucky to have such a devoted citizen in Jimmy, who led a movement as a founder of Save the Manatees and deserves credit for ensuring their protection. May his memory be a blessing,” stated Rep. Castor.
“Jimmy Buffett reflected a friendly and hopeful Florida - one committed to its natural beauty. Let’s be inspired by his life to take care of what makes #Florida special… and have fun doing it along the way,” added Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
Another congressional Democratic, freshman Rep.Maxwell Frost, reminisced about his father’s playing old Buffet songs. Rep. Frost, who is the youngest member of the U.S. House of Representatives, didn’t grow up on Buffet songs, but rather learned about the singers and his music through his father.
"My dad was in several bands that always covered him. From the poolside gigs to Pleasure Island at Disney, when tourists requested music, they wanted to hear Jimmy Buffet cause they were in Florida. His music was always playing throughout my childhood. Rest in Peace, Jimmy Buffet," stated Rep. Frost.
Many Generation Z kids like Rep. Frost, and Generation Xers like myself, including Millenials, learned about past musical greats from their parents.
In the Manjarres household, our parents introduced us the The Beatles, Queen, The Bee Gees, and Elvis Presley.
It’s safe to say that our parents got us “All Shook Up” early on in our upbringing.
