Alan Jackson Once Recorded His Own Version Of “Margaritaville”
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Alan Jackson Recorded “Margaritaville” Before He & Jimmy Buffett Released “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”
Most people think Alan Jackson first worked with his good pal Jimmy Buffett on the song “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” The track was released in 2003, and reached the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. It also crossed over to claim the 17th position on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” won the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year. It was Buffett’s first time ever winning an award in his multi-decade career.
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Jackson and Buffett worked together many more times before Buffett’s death on September 1, 2023 at the age of 76. But they also worked together prior to releasing “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”
Have You Ever Heard Alan Jackson’s Version Of “Margaritaville” Before?
In 1999, Jackson released an album titled Under the Influence. The album contains covers of songs from Jackson’s idols, such as Charley Pride, Hank Williams Jr., George Jones, and Merle Haggard.
It’s the album that brought us Jackson’s version of Don Williams‘ “It Must Be Love.” The song was a #1 hit for both Williams and Jackson.
Under the Influence also contained Jackson’s version of Buffett’s signature song, “Margaritaville.” It was the final song on the album, and Jackson featured Buffett on the recording.
Despite never being released as a single, Jackson’s cover of “Margaritaville” reached the 63rd spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. It re-entered the chart in 2000, and reached the 74th spot then.
Enjoy Jackson’s version of “Margaritaville” in the audio clip below. We love the country twist he gave it!
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.
