Filmed with remarkable exactitude and deep reverence for American music history, director John Cunningham’s new documentary Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers takes an inside look at the origin story of Jimmy Buffett’s legendary band.

Following our recent sit-down interview with director John Cunningham, Paul Leslie shares an in-depth audio review and reflective essay exploring the film’s archival depth, its focus on key band members like Roger Bartlett, Keith Sykes, and Michael Utley, and why this story resonates so strongly with longtime listeners.

“The sun has been coming up on Buffett’s world for a long time, and among the shadows stand songs and people who are here to stay.”

Whether you are a dedicated Buffett follower or a fan of rich music documentaries, Occupational Hazard offers an authentic, unpredictable vantage point on an enduring cultural legacy.