History of Margaritaville in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 14, 2024

"Margaritaville", a 1977 hit song by Jimmy Buffett, became an iconic anthem of relaxation and escapism. Reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, the song's popularity endured, even re-entering the charts after Buffett's passing in 2023. Its success cemented Buffett's legacy as a singer-songwriter and solidified "Margaritaville" as a staple in American music.

1977: Radio Edit of "Margaritaville" Released

A shortened version of "Margaritaville," edited for radio play, was released in 1977. This version cut the instrumental break and a portion of the third chorus, changing the song's key and speeding it up.

1977: "Margaritaville" Released

Jimmy Buffett released "Margaritaville" in 1977 as part of his album "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes." It became his highest-charting solo single.

1991: "Marijuanaville" Parody Written

Comedian Mark Eddie wrote a parody of "Margaritaville" titled "Marijuanaville" in 1991.

1998: "Marijuanaville" Parody Released

Mark Eddie's parody song, "Marijuanaville," was released in 1998 on the album "Rock n' Roll Comedy Cuts Part II."

1999: Alan Jackson Covers "Margaritaville"

Alan Jackson released a cover version of "Margaritaville" on his album "Under the Influence" in 1999. The cover featured Jimmy Buffett singing on the third and final verses.

2003: Alan Jackson Releases "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"

Alan Jackson released "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" in 2003, a song that mentions Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville."

2004: Blake Shelton Releases "Some Beach"

Blake Shelton's single "Some Beach," released in 2004, references Jimmy Buffett's iconic song "Margaritaville."

2006: Kenan Thompson Performs "Margaritaville" Parody on SNL

Kenan Thompson performed a parody of "Margaritaville" on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update segment in 2006. The parody centered on a soldier being deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border instead of Baghdad.

2013: "Martinsville" Parody Aired

A parody titled "Martinsville," referencing the Martinsville Speedway, aired on the John Boy & Billy Big Show in 2013.

2013: Toby Keith and Sammy Hagar Cover "Margaritaville"

In 2013, Toby Keith and Sammy Hagar collaborated on a cover of "Margaritaville" for Keith's album "Drinks After Work." The cover was included on the deluxe edition of the album and on Hagar's album "Sammy Hagar & Friends" released the same year.

2016: "Margaritaville" Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame

In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, "Margaritaville" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.

2017: "Escape to Margaritaville" Musical Premieres

The musical "Escape to Margaritaville," featuring "Margaritaville" and other Jimmy Buffett songs, premiered in 2017.

September 1, 2023: Jimmy Buffett's Death

American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023.

September 16, 2023: "Margaritaville" Re-enters Top 40

Following Jimmy Buffett's death, his iconic song "Margaritaville" re-entered the Top 40 charts during the week ending on September 16, 2023.

2023: "Margaritaville" Selected for National Recording Registry

The Library of Congress selected "Margaritaville" in 2023 for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.