Jimmy Buffett Performed “Margaritaville” & Other Hits With Zac Brown Band On A 2010 Episode Of CMT Crossroads
Most of Jimmy Buffett’s songs had no defined genre, but he always had a home in country music. He often collaborated with country artists, including Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and Toby Keith.
In 2010, Buffett was featured on the Zac Brown Band song “Knee Deep.” Buffett was a perfect fit for the tune, since it had a beach-themed influence many of Buffett’s own songs contain.
“Knee Deep” reached the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart and crossed over to claim the #18 spot on the all-genre Hot 100 chart. It has since been certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA.
Also in 2010, Zac Brown Band and Buffett joined forces on an episode of CMT Crossroads. They had a fun time performing each other’s hits during the program, which aired on March 19, 2010.
What Is CMT Crossroads?
CMT Crossroads is a program that’s aired on CMT since 2002, and is still ongoing.
The premise of the show is to unite country stars with artists from other genres. They take turns performing their their hit songs, resulting in some one-of-a-kind collaborations.
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Zac Brown Band and Buffett’s particular episode of CMT Crossroads was filmed in front of an invitation-only audience in Nashville. The two performed a selection of songs including “Son of a Sailor,” “Chicken Fried,” and “Toes.”
Watch Jimmy Buffett Sing “Margaritaville” With Zac Brown Band
Of course, Buffett and the band also performed Buffett’s signature song “Margaritaville.” Their performance has received renewed attention following Buffett’s death on September 1, 2023 at the age of 76.
“Hope you’re knee deep in the water somewhere in paradise today, @jimmybuffett,” Zac Brown Band shared in a post on Instagram after Buffett passed away. “We were honored to know you and to make music with you. Fins up.”
Watching Buffett’s carefree performance of “Margaritaville” with Zac Brown Band on CMT Crossroads seems like a perfect way to honor him. You can revisit their duet in the video below.
Jimmy Buffett was devoted to philanthropy. He founded two charitable organizations, Singing for Change and Save the Manatee Club. He also had a company called Last Mango Boatworks that sells apparel and accessories. Items sold from Last Mango benefit Singing for Change and Freedom Fighter Outdoors. Learn more about Jimmy’s philanthropic efforts or donate to one of the above-mentioned organizations here.