If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Key West, Florida, you might have felt the spirit of Captain Tony Tarracino lingering in the salty air. This legendary figure, a man of countless adventures and unwavering authenticity, inspired Jimmy Buffett to pen the iconic song “Last Mango in Paris.” Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind the song and the friendship that immortalized Captain Tony in the hearts of Buffett fans and Key West locals alike.
Who Was Captain Tony Tarracino?
Born on August 10, 1916, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Captain Tony Tarracino was a man who lived several lifetimes in his 92 years. Starting as a hustler and gambler in New Jersey, Tony fled to Florida to escape mob threats. Arriving in Key West in the 1940s, he found a world of opportunity. He became a shrimper, a charter boat captain, the owner of a now-iconic bar, and even the mayor of Key West. Known for his sharp wit, colorful tales, and larger-than-life personality, Captain Tony embodied the free-spirited charm of Key West.
His bar, Captain Tony’s Saloon, became a hub for locals, artists, and travelers seeking an authentic slice of island life. The building itself, steeped in history, served as a morgue, icehouse, and even a wireless station for news about the sinking of the battleship Maine. Under Tony’s stewardship, it became the quintessential Key West watering hole—a melting pot of shrimpers, celebrities, and eccentrics.
The Friendship Between Captain Tony and Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett arrived in Key West in the 1970s, drawn by the island’s bohemian allure. The town’s laid-back lifestyle and colorful characters profoundly shaped his music style and persona, embedding the essence of Key West into his signature blend of storytelling and melodies. He quickly became a regular at Captain Tony’s Saloon, soaking up the stories and characters that would shape his music. Tony’s adventurous spirit and unapologetic zest for life struck a chord with Buffett, who found in him a living embodiment of the Key West ethos.
Their friendship grew over the years, marked by meaningful conversations and shared moments at the bar. Tony’s tales of his life—from evading the mob to becoming mayor—were a treasure trove of inspiration. Tarracino often referred to Buffett as “the kid.” Buffett admired his ability to live boldly and authentically.
Buffett even played a role in Tarracino’s political life, serving as an honorary campaign manager during Tarracino’s successful bid for mayor. As Tarracino put it, “They all got together; even Jimmy Buffett was one of my honorary campaign managers. We had a hell of an election, I mean it was fun. It was really great!”
The Story Behind “Last Mango in Paris”
The song “Last Mango in Paris,” released in 1985, captures the essence of Captain Tony’s life and philosophy while marking a significant moment in Jimmy Buffett’s discography as a deeply personal tribute to one of the most influential figures in his Key West journey. The title is a playful twist on the film Last Tango in Paris, blending tropical imagery with a sense of living life to the fullest. Buffett and Tarracino shared a deeply personal conversation on a sweltering July day that would inspire the song.
Tarracino recalled the moment: “I remember he stopped by the bar one day. It was a hot day in July. ‘Come on Jimmy, have a seat.’ Remember the words! ‘Come on Jimmy, have a seat.’ He sat down next to me. ‘What are you doing Tony, man? You’re up in the years.’ I said ‘Jimmy, there’s so much to be done.’”
Buffett captured their exchange in the song’s lyrics, weaving Tony’s life philosophy and adventures into a heartfelt tribute. The song features lines that only Tony and Jimmy fully understood, making it a deeply personal testament to their friendship.
Hearing the ‘Last Mango In Paris’ for the First Time
Tony’s first encounter with “Last Mango in Paris” was serendipitous. Buffett handed him a tape of the song shortly before Tony left for an appearance on The Charlie Rose Show. Tony didn’t listen to it until he was in a limo in Washington, D.C., when he suddenly heard the opening lines:
“I went down to Captain Tony’s / To get out of the heat / I heard a voice call out to me / ‘Son, come have a seat.’”
The driver, recognizing Tony from the song, shut off the tape before it could finish. It wasn’t until Tony returned to Key West that he fully heard Buffett’s tribute.
Captain Tony’s Legacy in Buffett’s Music
To Tony, “Last Mango in Paris” was more than a song—it was an acknowledgment of a life well-lived. Tony often said, “He did something very beautiful. It’s more than just being big time. He found the forgotten people and kept them alive. Cause we are the forgotten people.”
The song not only cemented Tony’s place in Buffett’s discography but also ensured that his story would live on for generations of Parrotheads and Key West visitors.
A Tribute to a Friendship
The friendship between Jimmy Buffett and Captain Tony Tarracino was built on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for life’s unpredictable journey. Buffett’s music and Tony’s stories have both become symbols of Key West’s unique spirit—a place where the extraordinary is ordinary and every heart beats to the rhythm of the waves.
Today, Captain Tony’s Saloon stands as a living monument to its namesake, filled with memorabilia and echoes of his laughter. Visitors toss coins into the fish’s mouth for good luck and sip drinks beneath the “hanging tree,” feeling the magic that inspired a song, a legend, and an enduring friendship.
Photo Credits
“Captain Tony’s Entrance” by Sam Howzit is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“MM00009244” by Florida Keys–Public Libraries is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally From Labor Day Virginia” by kentonlrussell is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“MM00052173x” by Florida Keys–Public Libraries is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Key West 2008” by MittenStatePhototog is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
