Day #22 – Last Mango In Paris
Day #22 – Last Mango In Paris
Jimmy had a keen sense of humor and seemed to enjoy puns and plays on words, as we can see with him titling an album White Sport Coat and A Pink Crustacean, a play on words with the Marty Robbins song White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation, and Last Mango in Paris is no exception.
Last Tango in Paris was a 1972 film by director Bernardo Bertolucci starring Marlon Brando. At the time of its release, the movie’s portrayal of emotional turmoil and raw sexual behavior and violence created quite a controversy. What Jimmy thought of the film, I have no idea, but it did lead him down a path to spoof the title and create the lyrics of one of his best songs, with significant inspiration from one Key West bar owner.
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Original post from 9/23/2023
Day #22 – Last Mango In Paris
“I went down to Captain Tony’s, to get out of the heat…”
Last Mango In Paris was released in 1985 on a studio album of the same name.
JB was inspired to write this song based on one of his Key West heroes, Anthony Tarracino, aka Captain Tony. Yes, as in Captain Tony’s Saloon, a once and still legendary Key West hang out, just off Duval Street. Years later, Jimmy named one of his yachts Last Mango after the very song inspired by a Key West legend.
Before Tony Tarracino relocated to Key West and became a shrimper and charter boat captain and eventual saloon owner, he started his life in New Jersey. He grew up dabbling with a dangerous crew that led him to work for the mafia, attempting to scam them (seems like a bad idea) and ended up beaten and left in a dumpster before deciding a move to the Florida Keys might be wise. At least that was Captain Tony’s story, and I’ve seen nothing to make me doubt it.
He did indeed become a saloon owner, in the famous location of the old Sloppy Joe’s on Greene Street (before it moved to its current location directly on Duval Street) renaming the bar that once was a favorite location of Ernest Hemingway, after himself. And on his fourth attempt, was elected mayor of Key West. It’s rumored, by Jimmy himself, that Jimmy served as a campaign manager on one of Tony’s failed attempts at public office.
It’s reported that Captain Tony was married four times, had thirteen children, and that his two years as mayor of Key West was the best time of his life.
Jimmy said about Captain Tony in this song, and I will say about Jimmy himself, “a legend never dies”!
Please enjoy one of my very favorite of Jimmy’s song, Last Mango In Paris. The link is in the comments below.
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All I really need to say is thank goodness for Jimmy Buffett and thank goodness for Captain Tony Tarracino, because between the two of them, with stories shared and music writer, we have been blessed with a fabulous song.
Stacy
Please enjoy Last Mango In Paris. I have included the link below. Enjoy!
The link is from Jimmy’s official YouTube channel, which I have no personal affiliation with.
