James William "Jimmy" Buffett (December 25, 1946 – September 1, 2023) was an American singer-songwriter, author, and businessman. He was widely recognized for his tropical rock sound and persona, often portraying a lifestyle described as "island escapism". Buffett's music encouraged listeners to enjoy life and follow their passions.

He recorded numerous hit songs, including those famously known as "The Big 8": "Margaritaville" (1977), ranked 234th on the Recording Industry Association of America's list of "Songs of the Century"; "Come Monday" (1974); "Fins" (1979); "Volcano" (1979); "A Pirate Looks at Forty" (1974); "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (1978); "Why Don't We Get Drunk" (1973); and "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" (1977). Other popular songs include "Son of a Son of a Sailor" (1978), "One Particular Harbour" (1983), and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" with Alan Jackson (2003).

Buffett formed the Coral Reefer Band in 1975. Over his career, he released more than 30 albums, with eight certified gold and nine certified platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA, selling over 20 million certified records worldwide, placing him among the world's best-selling music artists. Buffett was nominated for two Grammy Awards and was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category in 2024.

Beyond music, Buffett extended the "island escapism" lifestyle into several business ventures, including Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant chain, the now-defunct Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant chain, and ventures in hotels, casinos, liquor, and retirement communities. He was also a bestselling author, with a devoted fan base known as "Parrotheads". His estate was estimated to be worth $275 million.