Coral Reefers are backbone to Jimmy Buffett's career (Created May 16, 2013)

They've been called ,"The best band you may have never heard of." And while the original Coral Reefer Band (Marvin Gardens, Kay Pasa, Al Vacado and Kitty Litter) may have been a figment of Jimmy Buffett's imagination, the latest lineup of the band is made up of a diverse collection of talented musicians.

They are: Michael Utley (keyboards), Robert Greenidge (steel drums), Ralph MacDonald (percussion), Peter Mayer (bass), Jim Mayer (bass), Roger Guth (drums), Mac McAnally (guitars, vocals), Doyle Grisham (pedal steel guitar), John Lovell (trumpet), Tina Gullickson (vocals) and Nadirah Shakoor (vocals).

Now, we could tell you how the name "Coral Reefer" alludes to both coral reefs (in the ocean) and also "reefer," which is slang for marijuana. Or we could explain how the term is also related to sailing, and how a sailor who shortens or "reefs" a sail is referred to as such. But what you really need to know is that this band has had more than 20 honorary members and counting, not to mention some 54 former members.

There are so many facts we could also reference about the band's current members, like how MacDonald was practically born into music. Or that Greenidge grew up in the heart of the Caribbean, or Utley was heavily influenced by the sounds of Memphis soul and New Orleans rhythm and blues. But what you need to know is that they play with Jimmy Buffett – across the country, around the world, night in and night out. Where he goes, they go. And we guarantee you the Coral Reefers and their richly textured music wouldn't have it any other way.