The beloved American musician, Jimmy Buffett, first set foot on the shores of St Barth in 1978, sailing in on his boat «Euphoria». The grandson of a sea captain, Buffett quickly found himself at home at the Select bar and on this tiny French Caribbean island, drawn to its charm, the company of newfound friends, and the allure of the sea.
OLD MAN SURFING
One glance at Jimmy Buffett's album covers reveals his profound love for the sea. But he wasn't the type to just relax on the beach. He was always out on the water, embracing life with every wave. His introduction to St Barth naturally came by way of the ocean, though he later took equal pleasure in co-piloting his Pilatus, emblazoned with his initials «JB», to land on the island. Buffett was an avid swimmer, fisherman, and sailor, and in his fifties, he discovered surfing. On Toiny Beach, he set up his«surf shack», a place that would become his haven. The sea wasn't just a backdrop for Buffett; it was a necessity, a source of energy that fueled his life and creativity.
AN ARTIST’S SENSES AWAKEN
Additionally, Toiny, the surfer's paradise, was where Jimmy Buffett felt most in tune with the ocean. He set up his music studio there, creating, playing, and recording while surrounded by the sea's endless beauty. The spirit of adventure, the scent of saltwater, and the rhythmic crash of the waves were all integral to Buffett's creative process on the island. The texture of the wind and the ever-changing shades of blue, sometimes azure and sometimes deep, also played a crucial role.
« GOOD OLD BOY »
This is how his friend and production manager, Kino Bachellier, described Jimmy Buffett. Despite his fame, Buffett remained grounded, eschewing the glitz and glamour of the star-studded world. He walked around without a bodyguard, happily posed for photos, and enjoyed mingling with locals. Even with his success, he stayed down-to-earth and accessible, preferring the quiet charm of St Barth over the limelight of the social scene, though he would partake when necessary. The understated allure of St Barth perfectly matched Buffett’s personality and lifestyle.
THE SELECT AND LIFELONG FRIENDS
When he wasn't in the water, you could find Jimmy Buffett at the Select, the iconic St Barth bar opened by Marius Stakelborough in 1949. It was here, during his first visit in 1978, that he met Kino, a doctor and fellow adventurer who proposed joining him on tour as his physician. Thus, Kino became the "Rock Doc" for Jimmy Buffett and his band. Jimmy and Marius, the bar's patriarch, forged a deep friendship. Year after year, Buffett would return on November 11th for the Select's anniversary or Marius's birthday, gifting the island with impromptu concerts. Jimmy Buffett's famous song «Cheeseburger in Paradise» became the slogan of the Select, where this delight was added to the menu thanks to an original idea from one of Marius's sons.
ST BARTH: A « RENDEZVOUS » FOR ARTISTS
St Barth also became a meeting place for other international artists. Jimmy Buffett and fellow musician James Taylor, whom he had known since the 1970s, would often write songs together during their stays on the island. Over the years, the Select became a gathering spot for the likes of Joni Mitchell, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Bobby Short, Lauren Hutton, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Steve Martin, Lorne Michaels, and Paul Simon. Buffett also frequently spent time on the island with his friend, British musician Paul McCartney, a bond that was sparked by their wives. He even sought out the legendary French rocker Johnny Hallyday, who had made the island his home, and the two discussed the possibility of a joint concert.
A CITIZEN AT HEART
Jimmy Buffett's 45-year love affair with St Barth is a testament to the power of connections, both with people and with places. This journey reflects not only the island's beautiful scenery but also its warm-hearted people, with Buffett quietly giving many free concerts over the years. In their hearts, he will always be an honorary citizen of St Barth.
Text written by Joyce Conroy-Aktouche.
Pictures credits: Kino Bachellier, Eddy Stakelborough, Jean-Marc Le Franc, Edmund Gudenas - Main picture in black & white by Audrey My.
