Jimmy Buffett
Is it still fun? Be honest.—Peter Smith, MERRIMACK, N.H.
Yeah. I wouldn't do it if it wasn't fun. You know, I just played a show in Virginia where 26,000 people stood in the rain to hear us. That makes a mark on you. We're showing people how, in a pretty crazy and whacked-out, dangerous world, you can still have fun.
What is the most memorable concert you've ever attended?—Barbara Bernacchi, CHICAGO
Back in 1976 I was, I think, in Chicago, and Bob Marley was touring then, and I didn't know who he was. I was working a little club, and a waitress told me, "You gotta see this guy." I went, and it probably changed my musical life ever since.
If you could work with one artist you haven't already worked with, who would it be?—Thomas Schisler, BALTIMORE
Jerry Garcia and I had always talked about doing a Parrothead-Deadhead show together. Unfortunately, we can't do that now. I love what Jack Johnson does. He believes in what he does, and it works. I know how that feels. I would love to do a big show with Jack.
When you're writing your books, do you do a lot of revising, or does it just come out nearly the way it ends up?—George Wolfe, CONCORD, N.C.
Oh, no, it's edit, edit, edit. It's almost like getting a boat ready to go to sea. You've still got a countless number of things left to fix, but you've just got to go, "O.K., everybody get on the boat. We're going, ready or not."
"Party with a purpose" is the motto of many local Parrothead fan clubs. Do you have any new plans for helping your followers do more good in the world?—Julie Eliza, TALLAHASSEE, FLA.
I think if I lead by example, that's the best thing. I come from a pretty environmental kind of background, but I've got toys [yachts, planes, etc.]. So you know, the obvious thing next is to try to green myself up first and lead by example. It's a hard one, but I'm working on it.
What is your opinion of the U.N.'s removal of Everglades National Park from endangered status?—Debbie DeNeese WILTON MANORS, FLA.
You know, I don't know enough about it right now. Is it good news? Just based on personal experience and under this Administration, anyone who announces that something is off an endangered list, I'd be looking for bulldozers behind 'em, you know? [Laughs.]
Who do you like in the next presidential election, and why?—Dave McCrudden, NORRISTOWN, PA.
I am still looking because I'd like to see a little bit of something out of the norm. Coming out of this presidency and the damage it has done everywhere, I think that there's a great opportunity. I travel, and I see that people abroad have a very amazing way of loving American culture even if they don't like our politicians.
Your music got me through some pretty stressful deployments. Have you ever done a USO tour?—Nathan Methvin-Terry, CHICO, CALIF.
I have not been to Iraq or Afghanistan. But I work a lot with a veterans' organization called Wounded Warriors. No matter what I think of the ridiculous way this war has been carried out, I think we owe those kids something, and I am going to do what I can to help.
After all your success, what's left?—Chris Hildebrandt, PITTSBURGH, PA.
When it is all said and done, I am going to teach. There comes a point where you want to share your wisdom if you get to do the things I've done. Of course, if you want to see me teach, I don't think I will be at Fargo in February. You might have to find me at the University of Hawaii.
Can we switch places for a day? You know, I go fly around the Caribbean, and you work my lame-o day job?—Stephen Feinberg, OAKLAND, CALIF.
Switch places for a day? Well, I don't know. I got it pretty good. I never had a real day job. I consider this a summer job, but it has lasted quite a long time. I would suggest you go out and look for a summer job. Maybe you will have as much luck as I did.
Listen to Jimmy Buffett on the 10 Questions podcast. For more from Buffett read the extra questions. Find more interviews at time.com/10questions.