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Coral Reefer Band

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The Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band perform during their Summerzcool Tour in June 2009.
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band perform during their Summerzcool Tour in June 2009.
Background information
OriginU.S.
Genres
Years active1974–present
Labels
Members
Past members

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] reiterating statements made by bandmate Robert Greenidge in a separate interview on September 9, 2023.[5]

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.[6] At the concert, McAnally introduced Scotty Emerick as a full-time member of the group.

In May 2024, the band played their first full show after Buffett's death (not counting the Hollywood Bowl tribute concert) at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, where they were joined by guest Sonny Landreth, who had also worked alongside Buffett and the band on various occasions before Buffett's death.[6]

In June, the band announced they would be doing three shows in August as part of the "Keep The Party Going" tour, at the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama, on August 1; the Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park in Atlanta, Georgia on August 2; and the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 4.[6][7] Proceeds from these shows went to the Buffett-founded nonprofit charity "Singing for a Change."[7] Will Kimbrough, one of Buffett's occasional collaborators and songwriting partners, joined the band at this time.[7] All three shows were sold-out or close to sellouts including over 15,000 people attending the Cincinnati show. The band indicated more dates would be added in the future. In December 2024 additional shows were announced for 2025 one January 24 at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Etess Arena in Atlantic City, NJ.[8] and two scheduled for March in Jacksonville and Hollywood, Florida. The band announced at the Atlantic City show that several more shows will take place during the summer months of 2025.

Current line-up

[edit]

As of 2025, the band's lineup consists of:[9][10][11][12][7]

  • Eric Darken – percussion (2011–present)
  • Scotty Emerick - lead vocals, harmony and backing vocals, guitar (2023–present)[6][7]
  • Robert Greenidge – steel drums (1983–present)[5]
  • Doyle Grisham – pedal steel guitar (1974–1976, 1981, 1998–present)
  • Tina Gullickson – harmony and backing vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar (1995–present)
  • Roger Guth – drums (1989–present)
  • Will Kimbrough – lead vocals, harmony and backing vocals, guitar (2024–present; occasional guest 2003-2023)[7]
  • John Lovell – trumpet (1992–present)
  • Jim Mayer – harmony and backing vocals, bass (1989–present)
  • Peter Mayer – harmony and backing vocals, lead guitar (1989–present)
  • Mac McAnally – lead vocals, harmony and backing vocals, rhythm and lead guitars, slide guitar, dobro (1994–present)
  • Nadirah Shakoor – harmony and backing vocals, lead vocals (1995–present)
  • Mick Utley - harmony and backing vocals, keyboards (2022–present)

Former members

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Former members of the Coral Reefer Band include:[13]

  • Dr. Kino Bachellier – percussion
  • Doug Bartenfeld – guitar
  • Roger Bartlett – harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar. Wrote “Dallas”. (1973–1977)[14]
  • M.L. Benoit – congas, percussion, backing vocals
  • Matt Betton – drums
  • David Briggs – piano
  • Jimmy Buffett – Leader. Vocals, rhythm guitar, ukulele (1974–2023; his death)
  • Kenny Buttrey – drums, percussion (1977–1978; died 2004)
  • Rich Calhoun – drums
  • Hamilton Camp – guitar
  • Buzz Cason – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Barry Chance – lead guitar, backing vocals (d. 2010)
  • Marshall Chapman – guitar, backing vocals (1987); co-writer "Last Mango in Paris," writer "The Perfect Partner"
  • Sam Clayton – congas, percussion, backing vocals, (1982–1988)
  • Vassar Clements – fiddle
  • Dominic Cortese – accordion
  • Sammy Creason – drums
  • Claudia Cummings – backing vocals (1991–1997, d. 2023)
  • Harry Dailey – bass guitar, harmony and backing vocals. Co-writer "Volcano". (1975–1982, d. 2003)
  • Tim Drummond – bass guitar (1986–1988)
  • Philip Fajardo – drums (1975–1976)
  • Lanny Fiel – guitar
  • Rick Fiel – bass guitar
  • Daniel "Stiles" Francisco – trumpet
  • Mike Gardner – drums (d. 1991)
  • Johnny Gimble – fiddle
  • Randy Goodrum – keyboards
  • Dave Haney – bass guitar
  • Mary Harris – backing vocals and vocal arrangements.
  • Hadley Hockensmith – bass
  • Brie Howard – percussion, Vocals
  • Michael Jeffry – guitar, harmony vocals
  • Shane Keister – Moog synthesizer
  • Don Kloetzke – backing vocals
  • Tim Krekel – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Russ Kunkel – drums
  • Amy Lee – saxophone. Co-writer of "Fruitcakes". (1991–2005)
  • Larry Lee – guitar, drums, keyboards
  • Josh Leo – guitar
  • Ralph MacDonald – percussion (1974–2011, d. 2011)
  • Deborah McColl – backing vocals
  • Andy McMahon – organ, Fender Rhodes
  • Vince Melamed – keyboards
  • T.C. Mitchell – saxophone, flute (1994–2005)
  • Farrell Morris – percussion
  • Bob Naylor – harmonica, backing vocals
  • Penny Nichols – backing vocals, including on Son of a Son of a Sailor (d. 2017)
  • Jay Oliver – keyboards
  • Tony Pace – drums
  • David "Cool" Persons – guitar, backing vocals
  • Norbert Putnam – double bass
  • Angel L Quinones Jr. – congas and percussion (1993-1994) - recorded on "Fruitcakes"
  • Phil Royster – congas
  • Timothy B. Schmit – bass guitar, harmony and backing vocals, coined the term Parrotheads
  • Keith Sykes – guitar
  • "Blind" Jay Spell – keyboards (d. 2011)
  • Paul Tabet – drums
  • Greg "Fingers" Taylor – harmonica, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (1975–2000, 2007, d. 2023)
  • Bobby Thompson – banjo
  • Michael Utley – keyboards (1975–2024)
  • Jerry Jeff Walker – guitar, backing vocals, composer
  • Bergen White – trombone
  • Ed "Lump" Williams – bass guitar
  • Reggie Young – electric guitar

Timeline

[edit]

Honorary members and special guests

[edit]

Many artists have recorded and/or appeared on stage with Buffett, earning them status as honorary Coral Reefers.[13] Some of the more notable names are listed here.

Tours

[edit]

'With Jimmy Buffett

Without Jimmy Buffett

  • Keep the Party Going Tour (2024-2025)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Steve Eng (October 15, 1997). Jimmy Buffett: The Man from Margaritaville Revealed. St. Martin's Press. p. 226. ISBN 978-0-312-16875-9.
  2. ^ "The Hub Where Buffett Met "Fingers"". Read the Plaque. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ Newman, Melinda (October 30, 2023). "Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band Plans to 'Party On' Following Singer's Death". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Mondezie, Michael (September 9, 2023). "A lifetime rocking with Jimmy Buffett". Trinidad Daily Express. Trinidad Daily Express. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Hudak, Joseph (June 10, 2024). "Jimmy Buffett Is Gone, But the Coral Reefer Band Play on With New 'Tribute' Tour Dates". Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone Magazine. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Barrier, Katherine (June 11, 2024). "Coral Reefer Band to Keep the Jimmy Buffett Party at Riverbend Going This Summer". City Beat. City Beat. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  8. ^ "Coral Reefer Band Summer Shows On Sale Friday!". JimmyBuffett.com. JimmyBuffett.com. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  9. ^ Paul, Larisha (October 31, 2023). "Coral Reefer Band Will 'Keep the Party Going' in Honor of Jimmy Buffett". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  10. ^ "Coral Reefer Band". JimmyBuffett.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  11. ^ Paul, Larisha (October 31, 2023). "Coral Reefer Band Will 'Keep the Party Going' in Honor of Jimmy Buffett". Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone Magazine. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Newman, Melinda (October 30, 2023). "Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band Plans to 'Party On' Following Singer's Death". Billboard. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "BuffettNews.com – The Coral Reefer Band". October 27, 2007. Archived from the original on October 27, 2007. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  14. ^ "Roger Bartlett". rogerbartlett.com. Roger Bartlett. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
  15. ^ Floyd, Brian (April 1, 2012). "PHOTO: Sean Payton Plays Bongos During Jimmy Buffett Concert". SB Nation.
  16. ^ sean payton saints coach playing bongo's with jimmy buffett april 1st 2012 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ "1976 Pink Crustacean Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  18. ^ "1977 Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  19. ^ "1978 Cheeseburger in Paradise Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  20. ^ "1979 You Had to be There/Volcano Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  21. ^ "1980 Volcano Tour '80/Hot Dog & Roadmap Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  22. ^ "1981 Party Time '81/Coconut Telegraph Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  23. ^ a b "1982 Somewhere Over China/Homecoming Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  24. ^ "1983 Six-Stop American Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  25. ^ Reitz, Allison (February 3, 2009). "Jimmy Buffett tour starts the season early with Summerzcool". TicketNews. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  26. ^ Malone, Bill C., ed. (2014). "Buffett, Jimmy". The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture. Vol. 12. UNC Press Books. p. 192. ISBN 9781469616667. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  27. ^ "1986 Floridays Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  28. ^ "1987 A Pirate Looks at Forty Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  29. ^ "1988 Hot Water Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  30. ^ "1989 Off to See the Lizard Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  31. ^ "1990 Jimmy's Jump Up! Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "1991 Outpost Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  33. ^ "1992 Recession Recess Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  34. ^ "1993 Chameleon Caravan Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  35. ^ "1994 Fruitcakes on Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  36. ^ "1995 Domino College Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  37. ^ "1996 Banana Wind Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  38. ^ "1997 Havana Daydreamin' Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  39. ^ "1998 Don't Stop the Carnival Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  40. ^ "1999 Beach House on the Moon Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  41. ^ "2000 Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  42. ^ "2001: A Beach Odyssey Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  43. ^ "2002 Far Side of the World Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  44. ^ "2003 Tiki Time Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  45. ^ "2004 License to Chill Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  46. ^ "2005 A Salty Piece of Land Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  47. ^ "2006 Party at the End of the World Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  48. ^ "2007 Bama Breeze Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  49. ^ "2008 Year of Still Here Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  50. ^ "2009 Summerzcool Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  51. ^ "2010 Under the Big Top Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  52. ^ "2011 Welcome to Fin Land Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  53. ^ "2012 Lounging at the Lagoon Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  54. ^ "2013 Songs From St. Somewhere Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  55. ^ "2014 This One's For You Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  56. ^ "2015 Workin' n' Playin' Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  57. ^ "2016 I Don't Know Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  58. ^ "2017 I Don't Know Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  59. ^ "2018 Son of a Son of a Sailor Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  60. ^ "2019 Son of a Son of a Sailor Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  61. ^ "2021 Life on the Flip Side Tour Dates". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  62. ^ "2022 Life on the Flip Side Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  63. ^ "2023 Second Wind Tour". BuffettWorld. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
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