Photos: Music legend Jimmy Buffett through the years. The best images from our archives

Music legend Jimmy Buffett died on Sept. 1. He was not just a music icon, but a Florida icon. The Sunshine State was his home base and where he was adored by so many of his fans.

These photos are from the USA TODAY Network-Florida archives and show Buffett through the years.

Always a smile on Jimmy Buffett's face when he performed

VPCOBIT JIMMY BUFFETT
VPCOBIT JIMMY BUFFETT
Jimmy Buffett, at what may well have been his final performance, July 3 near Newport
Jimmy Buffett, at what may well have been his final performance, July 3 near Newport

On the campaign trail

More Jimmy Buffett photos: Jimmy Buffett, long-time Palm Beach County resident, in his own words

Nov. 4, 2002--West Palm Beach--Jimmy Buffet performs for the crowd during a rally for candidate for Governor Bill McBride left and running mate Tom Rossin at Galaxy Aviation. Buffett traveled to Tampa and Orlando to promote McBride. Staff photo by greg lovett ORG XMIT:   ORG XMIT: MER0708281457390871
Nov. 4, 2002--West Palm Beach--Jimmy Buffet performs for the crowd during a rally for candidate for Governor Bill McBride left and running mate Tom Rossin at Galaxy Aviation. Buffett traveled to Tampa and Orlando to promote McBride. Staff photo by greg lovett ORG XMIT: ORG XMIT: MER0708281457390871
Bill Nelson,(left) and Andrew Gillum (right) greet Jimmy Buffet (CENTER). Democrats hold a rally at Meyer Amphitheatre that was wrapped up with a performance from Jimmy Buffet.
Bill Nelson,(left) and Andrew Gillum (right) greet Jimmy Buffet (CENTER). Democrats hold a rally at Meyer Amphitheatre that was wrapped up with a performance from Jimmy Buffet.

From 2021 in Delray Beach

Jimmy Buffett and Friends play The Pavilion at Old School Square on May 13, 2021 in Delray Beach.
Jimmy Buffett and Friends play The Pavilion at Old School Square on May 13, 2021 in Delray Beach.
Jimmy Buffett and Friends play The Pavilion at Old School Square May 13, 2021 in Delray Beach.
Jimmy Buffett and Friends play The Pavilion at Old School Square May 13, 2021 in Delray Beach.

Looking patriotic in West Palm Beach

Jimmy Buffet at at a rally held Meyer Amphitheatre that was wrapped up with his performance November 3, 2018 in West Palm Beach.
Jimmy Buffet at at a rally held Meyer Amphitheatre that was wrapped up with his performance November 3, 2018 in West Palm Beach.

Always supporting good causes

Jimmy Buffet performs God Bless American during the Fifth Biennial Palm Beach Navy SEAL Evening of Tribute at The Breakers Palm Beach April 6, 2022.
Jimmy Buffet performs God Bless American during the Fifth Biennial Palm Beach Navy SEAL Evening of Tribute at The Breakers Palm Beach April 6, 2022.

Big Miami Dolphins fan

Miami Gardens, FL ...Jimmy Buffet with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross at Landshark Stadium.
Miami Gardens, FL ...Jimmy Buffet with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross at Landshark Stadium.

Performing in the Bahamas

Jimmy Buffet at Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas.
Jimmy Buffet at Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas.

On stage with Jon Bon Jovi in 2019

Jon Bon Jovi and Jimmy Buffett perform during the Everglades Foundation ForEverglades dinner dance at The Breakers Saturday February 16,  2019.
Jon Bon Jovi and Jimmy Buffett perform during the Everglades Foundation ForEverglades dinner dance at The Breakers Saturday February 16, 2019.
Jon Bon Jovi and Jimmy Buffett perform during the Everglades Foundation ForEverglades dinner dance at The Breakers Saturday February 16,  2019.
Jon Bon Jovi and Jimmy Buffett perform during the Everglades Foundation ForEverglades dinner dance at The Breakers Saturday February 16, 2019.

Back in the day

 Jimmy Buffet, chairman of the Save the Manatees Committee in 1991.
Jimmy Buffet, chairman of the Save the Manatees Committee in 1991.

Jamming at a Miami Heat game in 2013

Emilio Estefan (top center) and Jimmy Buffett (top right) join in with the Miami Heat Rhythm Section  during a timeout in game 1 against the Spurs at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 6, 2013.
Emilio Estefan (top center) and Jimmy Buffett (top right) join in with the Miami Heat Rhythm Section during a timeout in game 1 against the Spurs at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 6, 2013.

The subject of an Annie Leibovitz photo shoot

Palm Beach favorites Jimmy Buffet photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Corcoran Group's new ad campaign.
Palm Beach favorites Jimmy Buffet photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Corcoran Group's new ad campaign.

Caring for the environment

Musician Jimmy Buffet, joins Florida Governor Charlie Crist during his visit Pensacola Beach June 5, 2010 to inspect damage to the beaches of the west coast of Florida from oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico.
Musician Jimmy Buffet, joins Florida Governor Charlie Crist during his visit Pensacola Beach June 5, 2010 to inspect damage to the beaches of the west coast of Florida from oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico.

Signing 'Brown Eyed Girl' in West Palm Beach

 Jimmy Buffett sings Brown Eyed girl during the beginning of his set at November 14 2006 at Sound Advice during a stop on the Party at the End of the World tour in West Palm Beach.
Jimmy Buffett sings Brown Eyed girl during the beginning of his set at November 14 2006 at Sound Advice during a stop on the Party at the End of the World tour in West Palm Beach.

2002: With his wife, Jane

Jane and Jimmy Buffett in 2002
Jane and Jimmy Buffett in 2002

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Jimmy Buffett photos define career of Florida music legend