Paul McCartney Says He Sang “Let It Be” For Jimmy Buffett In Last Week Of His Life

The death of Jimmy Buffett in 2023 shocked millions of fans the world over. The singer-songwriter, credited for popularizing tropical rock and island escapism was 76 when he passed, and his fellow music artist, Beatles member Paul McCartney, has recently revealed that he sang for Buffett in the last week of life, choosing the poignant “Let It Be” as his song of choice for that emotional time.

April 11 saw the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles play host to a tribute concert dedicated to all things Jimmy Buffett. McCartney took the opportunity to share memories of Buffett as both a talented artist and as “one great man.” Several other music icons honored his legacy, Bon Jovi, Dolly Parton, the Eagles, Sheryl Crow, and even Snoop Dogg.

Paul McCartney sang “Let It Be” for Jimmy Buffett in the last week of his life

During the tribute concert on Thursday, called Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett, McCartney spoke of being invited to sing at Buffett’s home by his wife Jane Slagsvol. “Just in the last week of his life, I was invited up to his house by Janie,” recalled McCartney.

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“And I was invited up there to sing a couple of songs for Jimmy, and he was in a pretty bad way, but he still had that twinkle in his eye. So I thought I’ll sing one of those songs that I sang to him tonight.” McCartney went with “Let It Be.”

Credited to McCartney in partnership with bandmate John Lennon, “Let It Be” was written and sung by McCartney and first released in March 1970. McCartney was inspired to pen the powerful Billboard chart-topper after having a dream about his mother during a tense period in the Beatles’ history; Mary Patricia McCartney died in 1956 when Paul was just 14 years old. In the dream, the mother told her son, “It will be all right, just let it be.” Before Buffett’s passing, McCartney assured him of the same thing, in honor of the artist McCartney regarded not just as a great talent but as an exemplary man.

The stars remember a man who carried his music’s message with him in everyday life

Not just titans of the music industry, Paul McCartney and Jimmy Buffett also shared a profound friendship that lasted to the very end of the latter’s life. “He was generous. He was funny,” praised McCartney. “He’d done just about everything in his life. And I say he was so generous. I was on holiday with him and I forgot to bring my guitar. So he had his own guitar strung left-handed for me … And then the next time I saw him, he’d had one custom-made left-handed for me. So I love Jimmy.” He called the Coral Reefer Band frontman “one great man.”

Late November saw the release of Buffett’s 32nd studio album, Equal Strain on All Parts, which was also the final album he put out before his death. In it, McCartney can be heard playing bass in “My Gummie Just Kicked In.”

Following Buffett’s passing, McCartney was among the scores of artists paying tribute to his legacy and friendship. “It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them,” mourned McCartney on social media. “I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people. He had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humour. When we swapped tales about the past his were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him.”

He went on, “So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all, and for mankind as a whole. So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend. Love, Paul.”

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