Global InformationCoral Reefer Band information
The Coral Reefer Band | |
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 Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band perform during their Summerzcool Tour in June 2009. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | U.S. |
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| Years active | 1974–present |
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The Coral Reefer Band is the touring and recording band of American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett (until Buffett's death in September 2023). The band's name alludes to both coral reefs (in line with Buffett's tropical-themed music) and "reefer" (slang for marijuana).
Fingers Taylor, an original Coral Reefer, would discover Buffett performing solo one evening at The Hub on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in 1970.[2] This resulted in Taylor contributing harmonica accompaniment for part of the performance, the beginning of their long-term collaboration.
The band performed their final concert with Buffett on May 6, 2023, in San Diego, about three and a half months before Buffett's death in September of that year.[3] On October 30, 2023, Mac McAnally stated in an interview that the Coral Reefer Band would continue touring and performing Buffett's music at his request.[4]
The band reunited for the first time since Buffett’s passing on April 11, 2024, and served as the house band for the ‘Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett’ concert at the Hollywood Bowl. At the concert, McAnally introduced Jake Shimabukuro, Scotty Emerick and Caroline Jones as full-time members of the group.
Different iterations of the band performed throughout the weekend at different events as part of the 2024 New Orleans JazzFest before the entire band - minus Jones, who had her own solo show - came together to perform on the mainstage on the day of the festival’s closing. At one event, Guitarist Peter Mayer revealed the band will be meeting in the coming days to discuss future plans.
- ^ Steve Eng (October 15, 1997). Jimmy Buffett: The Man from Margaritaville Revealed. St. Martin's Press. p. 226. ISBN 978-0-312-16875-9.
- ^ "The Hub Where Buffett Met "Fingers"". Read the Plaque. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Varga, George (September 2, 2023). "Jimmy Buffett, dead at 76: His final concert with his band was on May 6 in San Diego. Here's our review". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ Newman, Melinda (October 30, 2023). "Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band Plans to 'Party On' Following Singer's Death". Billboard. Retrieved November 2, 2023.