Jimmy Buffett Today Show July 20, 2001

Today Show (July 20, 2001) (Bonus Wolfman and Donna Commercial)

Today Show (July 20, 2001), the bustling streets of midtown Manhattan transformed into a laid-back, tropical paradise. The occasion? Jimmy Buffett’s much-anticipated appearance on the Today Show Summer Concert Series. As the sun rose over Rockefeller Plaza, thousands of fans—many clad in Hawaiian shirts, leis, parrot hats, and flip-flops—packed into the plaza to catch a glimpse of the king of "gulf and western" music himself. It was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of escapism, community, and Buffett’s uniquely American musical mythology.

*A Sea of Parrotheads in Midtown*

From the earliest hours of the morning, “Parrotheads”—the nickname proudly worn by Buffett’s devoted fanbase—began lining up. They came with coolers, signs, beach balls, and inflatable palm trees, creating an impromptu island party in the heart of New York City. The atmosphere was electric and joyful, as fans shared stories of following Buffett across the country and trading tales of their favorite Margaritaville moments.

As cameras rolled for the *Today Show*, the plaza took on the feel of a beachfront tailgate. The contrast between corporate skyscrapers and the crowd’s Key West attire added to the surreal charm of the morning. It was a quintessential Buffett experience—bringing the beach wherever he goes, even if it’s 48th Street.

*The Setlist: Island Classics and a Surprise*

Jimmy Buffett took the stage just after 8 a.m., backed by his legendary Coral Reefer Band. The crowd erupted into cheers as he launched into “Margaritaville,” his signature hit that remains a cultural touchstone for laid-back dreamers and beachside philosophers. The performance was everything fans hoped for—buoyant, breezy, and sung with Buffett’s familiar wink and smile.

Other songs included “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” another staple in the Buffett canon, which had the entire plaza singing along in harmony, and “Come Monday,” a softer ballad that reminded everyone of Buffett’s deeper emotional range. With his classic Panama hat and barefoot demeanor, Buffett didn’t just perform—he invited the audience into his world.

One surprise highlight came when Buffett debuted a then-newer track, possibly teasing upcoming material or celebrating his ongoing musical journey beyond the greatest hits. Regardless of the song selection, the true magic came from the connection between Buffett and his audience—an unspoken understanding that, for just a few moments, real-world worries melted away under a tropical sun that Buffett summoned with nothing more than a guitar and a smile.

*Matt Lauer, Katie Couric, and the *Today Show Team Join the Fun**

During breaks between songs, Buffett chatted with hosts Matt Lauer and Katie Couric. Their light banter touched on everything from the origins of "Margaritaville" to his lifestyle brand, then already expanding into restaurants, merchandise, and even real estate. Couric joked about running away to live the Buffett way, and Lauer teased the idea of being a backup Coral Reefer.

Buffett’s charm wasn’t just in the music—it was in his ability to make everyone feel like they were on vacation. His interview segments revealed a man who, while wealthy and successful, still saw himself as a troubadour, spinning tales of escape and joy for the everyday person.

*The Cultural Impact: A Symbol of Escapism in a Post-9/11 America*

The performance came at a poignant time. Less than two years after the 9/11 attacks, Americans were still healing and craving moments of peace and normalcy. Buffett’s tropical worldview offered a kind of gentle escapism—an invitation to step outside the stress of the world and into a hammock on an imaginary beach.

His appearance on the Today Show reflected more than just good music; it showed how deeply his ethos resonated with a wide cross-section of people. Whether you were a die-hard fan or just someone on your morning commute, there was something comforting about his message: life should be savored, not stressed.

*Legacy of the Performance*

Buffett’s June 11, 2003, concert remains one of the most beloved in the Today Show’s Summer Concert Series history. It highlighted not only his musical prowess but his ability to create community wherever he played. Long after the final chords faded, the images of Parrotheads dancing in Rockefeller Plaza lived on—proof that Buffett’s beachy spirit could thrive even among the steel and glass of the big city.

For many fans, this performance marked a dream come true: seeing Jimmy Buffett up close and personal in an iconic setting. And for Buffett, it was another day of doing what he did best—bringing joy, laughter, and a touch of saltwater soul to the mainland.