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Parrotheads, Cheeseburgers, and Paradise: Adult Music Fandom and Fan Practices

MacDonald Weeks, Kelly C.

Abstract Details

2012, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, American Culture Studies/Popular Culture.
Jimmy Buffett’s beach bum lifestyle music was essentially solidified with his album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes in 1977, and it is his fans, collectively known as Parrotheads, who have continued to help him achieve such success. This dissertation examines not only Parrotheads, but also the ways in which this fan group has invested in, and engaged with, the “Margaritaville State of Mind” that Buffett and his fans have cultivated together. Derived from Buffett’s hit song, “Margaritaville,” Buffett’s beach bum escapism ethos has transformed his fandom into an experience and, further, a lifestyle – a state of mind and a state of being – to be enjoyed by his fans whether it is through their celebration of their fandom, or even in the goods and services they purchase. Moreso, this work explores various ways that a tropical escapism lifestyle is evoked and developed by Parrotheads through the many fan activities they engage with as part of belonging to their local Parrothead clubs. Parrotheads have chosen, as an integral part of their fandom, to raise money for local social and environmental charities, all in the name of their fandom. Another aspect examined in this dissertation investigates how Parrotheads are not only developing and becoming active participants, but also performing their fandom in social networking sites developed specifically for them. Ultimately, this project highlights how some music fans are embracing new types of music-centered leisure cultures in contemporary society. Parrotheads are a fascinating example of an organization functioning as a social club, united by love of a musician and his message; in this instance, a literal and figurative investment in Jimmy Buffett and his trop-rock music, from which they have worked together to cultivate a mythical Margaritaville.
Radhika Gajjala (Committee Chair)
Susana Peña (Committee Member)
Donald McQuarie (Committee Member)
Robert Sloane (Committee Member)
Cindy Hendricks (Committee Member)
223 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • MacDonald Weeks, K. C. (2012). Parrotheads, Cheeseburgers, and Paradise: Adult Music Fandom and Fan Practices [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1339789103

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • MacDonald Weeks, Kelly. Parrotheads, Cheeseburgers, and Paradise: Adult Music Fandom and Fan Practices. 2012. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1339789103.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • MacDonald Weeks, Kelly. "Parrotheads, Cheeseburgers, and Paradise: Adult Music Fandom and Fan Practices." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1339789103

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)