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Quizzes > Music

Jimmy Buffett trivia questions: test your Parrothead knowledge

Quick, free Jimmy Buffett quiz to test your music knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Derek CalvertUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Jimmy Buffett trivia quiz on a sky blue background

Use this quiz to see how well you know Jimmy Buffett's songs, lyrics, and life. Questions range from classic hits to fun deep cuts, and you will get quick results. After you play, try our Jimmy Buffett quiz, dive into beach trivia, or chart a course with cruise ship trivia.

Which song is Jimmy Buffett best known for?
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Fins
Come Monday
Margaritaville
Jimmy Buffett's signature song is "Margaritaville," released in 1977. It became his most popular and enduring hit, embodying his carefree, beach-bum persona. The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics about looking for lost salt shakers resonated widely with audiences.
What year was "Margaritaville" released?
1979
1977
1981
1975
"Margaritaville" was released in February 1977 on Buffett's album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. It became his first Top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 8. The song's success established Buffett as a crossover artist between country, rock, and folk.
Which instrument is Jimmy Buffett most associated with?
Piano
Acoustic guitar
Saxophone
Harmonica
Throughout his career, Jimmy Buffett performed primarily on acoustic guitar, which became a hallmark of his laid-back, storytelling style. He often wrote songs on his guitar during travels and tours. His guitar playing underscored the folk and country elements of his music.
Which genre best describes Jimmy Buffett's music?
Jazz fusion
Country rock
Gulf and Western
Reggae
Jimmy Buffett's sound blends country, folk, calypso, and pop into what fans nicknamed "Gulf and Western." The term captures his tropical, seaside storytelling and laid-back musical style. Buffett himself embraced the label as a fun way to describe his unique fusion.
What is the name of Buffett's backup band?
The Shipwreckers
The Coral Reefer Band
The Tropical Crew
The Parrotheads
Jimmy Buffett's longtime touring ensemble is called The Coral Reefer Band. The name is a playful pun on "coral reef" and "reefer," reflecting the band's beachy themes. They have backed Buffett on stage and in the studio for decades.
Which of these is a Jimmy Buffett island-themed restaurant chain?
Tropical Bar
Coral Reef Grill
Big Waves Cafe
Margaritaville
The Margaritaville restaurant chain, named after Buffett's most famous song, features island-inspired décor and menus. It has locations in cities and resorts around the world. The brand expanded into hotels, casinos, and merchandise under Buffett's creative direction.
In which U.S. state was Jimmy Buffett born?
Alabama
Texas
Mississippi
Florida
Jimmy Buffett was born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He spent part of his childhood along the Gulf Coast before moving to Mobile, Alabama, and later to Texas. His Gulf Coast upbringing influenced his future musical themes.
What is the title of the Buffett memoir published in 1997?
Down to Earth
Tales from Margaritaville
Son of a Son of a Sailor
A Pirate Looks at Fifty
A Pirate Looks at Fifty is Jimmy Buffett's memoir released in 1998 chronicling his life, career, and reflections upon turning fifty. It became a New York Times bestseller. The book offers insights into Buffett's travels, music, and personal philosophy.
Which song features the line "I blew out my flip-flop…"?
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Volcano
Margaritaville
Changes in Latitudes
The lyric "I blew out my flip-flop, stepped on a pop-top" opens "Margaritaville." It sets the tone for the song's narrative about a carefree beach lifestyle gone awry. The imagery of flip-flops and pop-tops became iconic.
What is the name of Buffett's fan base?
Parrotheads
Beachcombers
Seadogs
Tropicals
Buffett's devoted fans are known as Parrotheads, a name derived from his tropical themes and parrot imagery. Parrotheads often dress in island attire and attend "Meeting of the Minds" Parrothead conventions. The Parrothead community is known for its charitable activities.
Which album features the song "Come Monday"?
A1A
Living & Dying in 3/4 Time
Son of a Son of a Sailor
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
"Come Monday" appears on Buffett's 1974 album Living & Dying in 3/4 Time. The song was written for his wife while on tour and became his first Top 40 hit. Its tender lyrics contrast with his party-themed repertoire.
Jimmy Buffett wrote a best-selling book about turning fifty titled:
Tales from Margaritaville
A Pirate Looks at Fifty
Down to Earth
Son of a Son of a Sailor
A Pirate Looks at Fifty is Buffett's memoir released in 1998 reflecting on his life and career at age fifty. It reached the New York Times bestseller list. The book combines travel tales, personal anecdotes, and Buffett's philosophical musings.
What year did Buffett release his debut album "Down to Earth"?
1972
1969
1971
1970
Jimmy Buffett's debut album Down to Earth was released in 1970 on Barnaby Records. It features early country and folk influences before he developed his trademark tropical style. Though not a commercial hit, it laid the groundwork for his later success.
Which album features the song "Volcano"?
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
Volcano
A1A
Son of a Son of a Sailor
The song "Volcano" is the title track of Buffett's 1979 album Volcano. It was inspired by his visits to volcanic islands and features the memorable lyric about voodoo chili. The album reflects his growing love of Caribbean culture.
The duet "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" features which country artist?
Alan Jackson
Garth Brooks
Tim McGraw
Reba McEntire
Jimmy Buffett recorded "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" in 2003 as a duet with Alan Jackson. The single spent eight weeks at number one on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and became a crossover hit. It earned Grammy recognition and remains a country music staple.
Which book did Buffett release as a collection of short stories in 1989?
Tales from Margaritaville
Fruitcakes
Down to Earth
A Pirate Looks at Fifty
Tales from Margaritaville, published in 1989, is a compilation of short stories and essays by Jimmy Buffett. The book expands on the characters and settings from his songs, blending fiction and autobiography. It showcases his narrative voice beyond songwriting.
"Cheeseburger in Paradise" was inspired by Buffett's search for what on tour?
A slice of pizza
A fresh lemon-lime soda
A good cheeseburger
A cold beer
Buffett wrote "Cheeseburger in Paradise" after visiting a roadside burger joint in Key Largo where he finally found a properly cooked cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato. He had grown frustrated by bland stadium fare. The song humorously celebrates that small victory.
What record label did Buffett found in 1993?
Coral Reef Records
Tropicana Records
Margaritaville Records
Gulfstream Records
Jimmy Buffett launched Margaritaville Records in 1993 as an imprint of MCA to release his own music and that of like-minded artists. The label reflects his brand expansion into restaurants, merchandise, and literature. It has released several Buffett albums and compilations.
What is the title of Buffett's first novel, published in 1994?
Fruitcakes
Tales from Margaritaville
A Pirate Looks at Fifty
Where Is Joe Merchant?
Where Is Joe Merchant?, released in 1994, is Jimmy Buffett's debut novel. It follows the adventures of Air Force pilot-treasure hunter Joe Merchant in the Caribbean. The book expanded his creative pursuits into fiction.
What beverage is central to the song "Margaritaville"?
Margarita
Daiquiri
Mojito
Piña Colada
The margarita cocktail is at the heart of "Margaritaville," symbolizing relaxation and escapism. Buffett's lyrics about salt, lime, and tequila helped popularize the drink in mainstream culture. The song boosted margarita sales and inspired bar menus worldwide.
Buffett appeared as himself in which 1980 film about radio DJs?
Diner
FM
Caddyshack
Airplane!
Jimmy Buffett made a cameo appearance as himself in the 1978 film FM, which centers on a renegade FM radio station. He performed live in the movie, blending his real persona with the film's musical storyline. The cameo showcased his crossover into pop culture.
What is the name of the official annual Parrothead convention?
Meeting of the Minds
Trop Rock Cruise
Island Festival
Parrothead Palooza
Meeting of the Minds is the official yearly gathering for Parrotheads, Jimmy Buffett's fan club. Held in Key West, the convention features concerts, charity events, and fan activities. It has become a major event in Buffett's cultural ecosystem.
In which city did the first Margaritaville Cafe open?
Key West
Miami
New Orleans
Tampa
The first Margaritaville Cafe opened in Key West, Florida, in 1985. Buffett chose Key West for its strong connection to his music and island lifestyle. The cafe became a tourist attraction and model for future locations.
Which album features the song "Banana Republics"?
Son of a Son of a Sailor
A1A
Down to Earth
Volcano
"Banana Republics" appears on the 1978 album Son of a Son of a Sailor. The song humorously critiques American tourists in Caribbean countries. Its upbeat melody and satirical lyrics made it a fan favorite.
"Son of a Son of a Sailor" refers to Buffett's lineage in which profession?
Fishermen
Naval officers
Pirates
Merchant seamen
The phrase "son of a son of a sailor" nods to Buffett's family history of merchant seamen on the Gulf Coast. He uses it to express his inherited love of the sea. The title track of his 1978 album builds on this personal heritage.
On which chart did "Margaritaville" peak at number 8?
Adult Contemporary Chart
Rock Tracks Chart
Country Singles Chart
Billboard Hot 100
"Margaritaville" peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, earning Buffett his highest pop chart position. It also crossed over to Adult Contemporary audiences. This mainstream success expanded Buffett's fan base beyond the Southeast.
Who co-produced the album "Riddles in the Sand" with Buffett?
Norbert Putnam
Keith Sykes
Mac McAnally
Michael Utley
Veteran musician Mac McAnally co-produced Jimmy Buffett's 1984 album Riddles in the Sand with Buffett. McAnally also played guitar and contributed background vocals throughout the record. Their collaboration deepened Buffett's country influences.
In what year was Buffett's live album "Live at Fenway Park" recorded?
2004
2006
2005
2003
Live at Fenway Park was recorded on July 27 and 28, 2004, when Buffett performed two sold-out shows at Boston's historic baseball stadium. The double album captures his Coral Reefer Band at full strength in a unique sports-venue setting.
The song "Volcano" was inspired by which active volcano?
Mount K?lauea
Mount St. Helens
Mount Vesuvius
Mount Etna
"Volcano" was inspired in part by Hawaii's Mount K?lauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Buffett visited the island and was fascinated by local legends, including voodoo chili. The song blends geological and cultural themes.
In the song "Boat Drinks," what is the narrator longing for?
Tropical weather
Mountains
Desert
Snow
"Boat Drinks," released in 1979, expresses the narrator's yearning for tropical warmth while stuck in cold Boston winter weather. Buffett wrote it on a chilly visit and captures the craving for sun and rum cocktails. It's become a wintertime anthem for fans.
Which album features the track "Beach House on the Moon"?
Beach House on the Moon
License to Chill
Fruitcakes
Hot Water
Beach House on the Moon is both the title track and album name for Buffett's 1999 release. The record explores a mix of laid-back island vibes and more experimental sounds. It includes guest vocals and varied instrumentation.
In which TV series did Buffett make a cameo appearance in the 1980s?
The A-Team
Magnum, P.I.
Cheers
Miami Vice
Jimmy Buffett appeared as himself in a 1985 episode of Miami Vice titled "The Boys in the Bank." He performed "Son of a Son of a Sailor" in the episode, blending his persona with the show's glamorous crime drama.
Which song includes the lyric "changing winds" in its title?
Come Monday
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
Fins
A Pirate Looks at Fifty
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes is the title track of Buffett's 1977 album. The phrase "blowing away the winter's cold" and references to winds capture the song's theme of escape. It became a Top 40 hit and remains a concert favorite.
Which album features the title track "Fruitcakes"?
License to Chill
Beach House on the Moon
Hot Water
Fruitcakes
Fruitcakes, released in 1994, is both the name of the album and its opening track. The song uses fruitcake as a metaphor for eccentric characters in a tropical town. It blends Buffett's humor with social observation.
How many weeks did "Margaritaville" spend on the Billboard Hot 100 chart?
30 weeks
10 weeks
22 weeks
15 weeks
"Margaritaville" charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for 22 weeks after its release, reflecting its strong and sustained popularity. Its extended chart run helped solidify Buffett's mainstream appeal. The song remains one of his signature achievements.
In what year did Buffett receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
2012
2019
2005
1998
Jimmy Buffett was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 25, 2019. The ceremony recognized his contributions to music and popular culture over more than four decades. The star sits in the Recording category on Hollywood Boulevard.
On the B-side of the original "Cheeseburger in Paradise" 7-inch single, which song appeared?
Come Monday
Volcano
Mañana
Livingston Saturday Night
The B-side of the 1978 7-inch single "Cheeseburger in Paradise" featured "Livingston Saturday Night," a track from the same album, Son of a Son of a Sailor. B-sides often showcased lesser-known songs to complement the hit single.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Jimmy Buffett Lyrics -

    Recite and recognize classic lines from celebrated songs to prove your familiarity with Buffett's signature tropical style.

  2. Identify Key Career Milestones -

    Spot important events and milestones in Jimmy Buffett's life, from early recordings to chart-topping hits and notable performances.

  3. Assess Your Jimmy Buffett Trivia Knowledge -

    Gauge your understanding of Jimmy Buffett trivia through challenging questions that cover songs, albums, lyrics, and fun facts.

  4. Compare Your Score with Other Fans -

    Analyze your quiz results to see how you stack up against fellow Parrotheads and uncover areas where you can improve.

  5. Sharpen Your Buffett Expertise -

    Use insights from the quiz to deepen your knowledge of Buffett's island-themed music and unexpected trivia details.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Birth of "Margaritaville" -

    Released in 1977 on the album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (Source: RIAA), this signature song topped the charts and became Buffett's beach-lifestyle anthem. Mnemonic trick: picture a margarita tilted at 25° to link "Margaritaville" with its 1977 release year. Its success laid the groundwork for Buffett's expanded Margaritaville brand.

  2. Coral Reefer Band Origins -

    Buffett formed the Coral Reefers in 1972, blending rock, country, and Caribbean sounds (Source: Jimmy Buffett official site). To remember the year, use the phrase "Sea to Tree '72" - imagining Buffett planting palm trees by the sea. Their evolving lineup became key to Buffett's live show energy.

  3. Iconic Lyrics Quiz: "Come Monday" -

    "Come Monday, it'll be alright" opens Buffett's 1974 hit off Living and Dying in 3 ¾ Time (Source: Rolling Stone archive). Use the acronym C-MIA - "Come Monday I'm Alright" - to recall that exact opening line. Fans who nail these first words often ace the lyric-recall portion of any Jimmy Buffett quiz.

  4. The Margaritaville Business Empire -

    What began as a song became a hospitality brand worth over $1 billion by 2020 (Source: Forbes). Think "Shack, Hotel, Casino" as your mental shopping list to recall their core ventures: Margaritaville Cafés, resorts, and gaming. This trivia point tests your knowledge beyond music into Buffett's entrepreneurial side.

  5. Parrothead Culture & Philanthropy -

    The fan club "Parrotheads" formed in 1985 and raised millions for environmental causes like Save the Manatee Club (Source: Save the Manatee Club records). Remember the slogan "Feathers for the Future" to link the colorful hats to Buffett's conservation work. Knowing fan culture trivia highlights Buffett's community impact as much as his music.

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