Music has been a significant part of Key West culture for over a century and is a huge part of what makes Key West an attractive place for tourists and locals.
Dating back to the great Ellen Sanchez and her work in establishing Key West as a music hot spot, this island community has continued to follow her lead. Key West native Fats Navarro went on to become one of the finest jazz trumpet players in the world. The legendary Key West Junkanoos continue to be a huge part of Key West’s musical folklore. Many legends have made Key West their home over the years.
The late, great Coffee Butler, for whom our amphitheater is rightfully named, performed into his 90s. We can’t overlook Jimmy Buffett, who established himself here in Key West and went on to create an entire genre known today as Trop Rock. And of course, there’s bluesman Bill Blue who spent four decades dazzling crowds with his phenomenal slide guitar work and high energy live performances.
The scene today still features iconic musicians and a massive pool of younger talent that promises to keep Key West at the top of the list of great music cities in the world.
Larry Baeder, who began his career in his early teens in Kansas City and went on to have international success as both a touring and session musician, has lived, taught and performed in Key West for decades.
Born and raised in Key West, Caffeine Carl Wagoner is one of the finest guitar players in the world. Tourists plan their Key West itineraries around Carl’s performance schedule. And locals show up nightly at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon to watch Carl perform with his band, The Buzz.
Other longtime Key West music icons such as Ericson Holt, Claire Finley, Michael McCloud, Zack Seemiller, Gary Hempsey and Sir C.W. Colt have been performing on stages in Key West for several decades.
On any given day, live music fans can enjoy great shows at any number of local venues. The world-famous Green Parrot has an international reputation for its live music performances. John Vagnoni does an exceptional job of booking great local and touring bands that play daily at the famous bar. The Hog’s Breath Saloon features three sets of music daily. The late set at Hog’s Breath never disappoints, with its mix of local and touring bands.
Many other venues have begun to develop solid reputations for their live music schedules. General Horseplay, Hank’s Hair of the Dog, Willie T’s, and many others feature multiple sets each day with some of the best acts around. Newer venues such as the Backyard Bar, Halo Rooftop Lounge, and Rockhouse Live are beginning to gain reputations as excellent music venues.
The contemporary scene continues to make its mark. Happy Dog is a talented band with a loyal following. Bands and artists such as Tony Baltimore and the Wilde Awake, the Andy Westcott Band, the Swerves, Cayo Ritmo, Nick Brownell, Jason Lamson, and the Durtbags are prime examples of the current foundation of musicianship here in Key West.
Some younger musicians have begun to rise to the top of the scene. Marshall Morlock, a talented young guitarist and vocalist in his mid-20s, has been turning heads among the loyal local music fanbase. Glass Cats, who have only been together for a few months, has started to develop its own following.
The inaugural Key West Music Awards, aka the Iggys, drew a sold-out crowd in January at The Key West Theater. The awards show was assembled to celebrate the incomparable local music scene in Key West, a town that boasts its own local record label, Conch Town Records, with an impressive stable of musicians.
The Key West music scene is second to none and its future is extremely bright. Being the music junkie that I am, I cannot help but be filled with excitement. My apologies to anyone I left out of this column. It was not intentional. It would take an entire issue to cover all the amazing talent we have here in Key West. Perhaps I will author a book someday.
BEN’S LIST
5 Great Music Cities
1. Key West, Florida
2. Austin, Texas
3. Nashville, Tennessee
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
5. Asheville, North Carolina
