The Man

I met Jimmy Buffett tonight.

How cool is that?

When you read this next part you’re gonna think I’m a real weirdo-fan but I’m not. Really.

I grew up on Buffett’s music. All through high school, all through college, I’ve kept a few of his tapes (cds now) in the truck for whenever I’ve needed that Parrothead fix.

I started reading John D. McDonald books because Jimmy once included his name in song (“Travis McGhee is still in Cedar Key, that’s what old John Macdonald said.” “Incommunicado”)

We named our daughter Delaney (“Delaney Talks to Statues” from the “Fruitcakes” album).

I started playing guitar just so I could play “Little Miss Magic” for our oldest daughter when she was little.

I married a girl with the name Cameron. Jimmy has a son named Cameron.
Okay, that last one was purely by chance.

But on my list of famous people I’ve never met, Mr. Buffett was #1. I met him tonight because our celebrity/entertainment reporters both worked either early Sunday or will work early Monday. I volunteered for the chance to meet Jimmy.

He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, which in terms of awards, means more to the artist than a Grammy or CMA since it’s from their peers. Jimmy seemed totally surprised when they began the introduction.

Big & Rich helped introduce him and sang Margaritaville. Let’s just say it was late in the evening and these guys REALLY had a good time. Trisha Yearwood was there too and she sang “The Song Remembers When” for another songwriter induction. And George Huff was there (he was an American Idol contestant) and he sang “Midnight Train to Georgia” on behalf of Jim Weatherly’s induction.

It was a fun night, but a long night. I must have stood on my feet shooting video for more than 3 hours. Brad will use the video for a segment on Monday morning’s show. You can see it there if you want at www.bradon2.com

So, in keeping score, here’s what I’ve got and what I’ve got left.

#1 Jimmy Buffett (done)
#2 Willie Nelson (done)
#3 Merle Haggard (done)
#4 Bruce Springsteen (still waiting)