Son of a Son of a Sailor - A Hometown Memorial to Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023) was a singer-songwriter, author, and businessman best known for pioneering the "Gulf and Western" musical genre—a blend of country, folk, rock, and Caribbean influences. His music, often centered around the themes of island escapism, good times, and coastal living, made him a cultural icon.

Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Buffett spent much of his childhood in Mobile, Alabama, where he developed a love for the Gulf Coast's boating and beach culture. He attended McGill Institute (now McGill-Toolen Catholic High School) in Mobile before heading to Auburn University and later transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a degree in history.

Buffett's deep connection to the Gulf Coast is evident throughout his music, with songs like A Pirate Looks at Forty, Son of a Son of a Sailor, and Biloxi reflecting his upbringing near the water. Mobile, Gulf Shores, and the surrounding region played a crucial role in shaping his laid-back, nautical-themed persona. He often credited his grandfather, a steamship captain from Mobile, with inspiring his love for the sea.

In 2023, shortly after his passing, the city of Mobile honored him by creating “Son of Sailor Fest”, attracting Parrot Heads from all over the region.

 

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

Jimmy Buffett's connection to the Gulf of Mexico was profound. From an early age, he was shaped by its culture, blending Southern charm, maritime heritage, and carefree coastal living into his music. The Gulf didn’t just inspire Jimmy—it defined him. The goal is for guests to experience his music in the very place that fueled his creativity while also recognizing that, through his songs, Jimmy Buffett gave the Gulf Coast its identity on the world stage.

The City of Mobile is revitalizing its riverfront, enhancing its cultural and recreational spaces. The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, located beside the Mobile Convention Center between Cooper Riverside Park and Alabama’s Cruise Terminal, is celebrating Gulf Coast music legend Jimmy Buffett. In honor of his legacy, the museum is developing an immersive exhibition and unveiling a bronze sculpture of the musician, set to debut alongside the 4th Annual Son of a Sailor Festival in September 2026.

Click here for site information and reference images

 

SCOPE OF PROJECT

The Mobile Arts Council is searching for an experienced artist or artist team to create a larger-than-life (7'O") realistic representation of Jimmy Buffett with pedestal, or if sitting, with a bench or low wall. This sculpture will be installed at The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico on the Mobile River. Submissions for this phase of the project must be submitted by April 25, 2025.

Artists should reference images of Jimmy Buffett between the years of 2000 and 2015.

Click here for location and reference images.

 

QUALIFICATIONS
The RFP will only consider artists and artists teams with the following qualifications:
1. Must be 18 years or older.
2. Have experience with projects of the proposed scale and resources available for completing the project.
3. Carry personal liability insurance for the duration of the project until installation is complete and accepted.
4. Meet all contractual obligations and adhere to the timeline provided.
5. If selected, be prepared to present their concept to a selection committee.

Selections will be made regardless of race, sex, color, religion, gender, age, physical or mental ability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, culture, or ancestry.

 

TIMELINE
The following schedule is provided for planning purposes based on current information. However, all dates are subject to revision, including RFP deadlines.

February 24 - April 25, 2025: RFP Open, Phase I

April 28 - May 2, 2025: Committee Selects RFP finalist(s)

May 5 - May 9, 2025: Finalist invited to submit for Phase II

May 12 - June 13, 2025: RFP Open, Phase II

June 30, 2025: Winner announced

August 2026: Statue installed

 

Contact Angela Montgomery at amontgomery@mobilearts.org or 251-432-9796 for questions regarding this project.