A genuine American original, Key West troubadour Buffett mixed Hank Williams with Xavier Cugat, and in the process introduced Caribbean rhythms to the staid musical denizens of Nashville. After a stretch in the basic (yet eclectic) singer-songwriter vein yielded a 1974 hit ballad "Come Monday," Buffett found his trademark mellow Key West groove and the 1977 hit ("Margaritaville") that would launch a cottage industry which even included a restaurant chain. While the singer often played up his one-hit wonder status, he has enjoyed a long, storied and varied career, as well as the enduring loyalty of his fans, otherwise known as "parrotheads." A 2004 star-studded country album brought him a surprise chart-topper and even more fans.