Tom Petty

Tom Petty
Ирина Лепнёва · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Tom Petty
Caption	Tom Petty performing in 2012
Birth name	Thomas Earl Petty
Birth date	October 20, 1949
Birth place	Gainesville, Florida
Death date	October 2, 2017
Death place	Santa Monica, California
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer
Instrument	Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards
Years active	1968-2017
Label	Shelter, Backstreet, MCA, Warner Bros., American
Associated acts	Traveling Wilburys, Mudcrutch, Stevie Nicks, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne

Tom Petty was a renowned American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist. With a career spanning over four decades, he was influenced by artists such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan. Petty's music often incorporated elements of rock and roll, blues, and country music, and he was known for his distinctive voice and songwriting style, which drew comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. He was also a member of the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that included George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.

Early Life and Career

Tom Petty was born in Gainesville, Florida, and grew up in a musical family, with his father, Earl Petty, introducing him to the music of Elvis Presley and The Beatles. He began playing music at a young age, and formed his first band, Mudcrutch, with friends Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. The band released one single, Depot Street, before disbanding, but Petty and his bandmates would later reunite to form the Heartbreakers. Petty's early career was also influenced by artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Byrds, and he often performed at venues such as the Fillmore East and the Whisky a Go Go.

Music Style and Influences

Tom Petty's music style was a unique blend of rock and roll, blues, and country music, with influences from artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen. He was known for his distinctive voice and songwriting style, which often incorporated elements of folk music and psychedelic rock. Petty's music was also influenced by his collaborations with other artists, such as Stevie Nicks, George Harrison, and Roy Orbison, and he was a member of the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that released one album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. Petty's music often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and social commentary, and he was known for his poetic and often cryptic lyrics, which drew comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.

Discography

Tom Petty released 13 studio albums with the Heartbreakers, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, You're Gonna Get It!, and Damn the Torpedoes. He also released three solo albums, Full Moon Fever, Wildflowers, and Highway Companion, which featured hit singles such as Running Down a Dream and Free Fallin'. Petty's music was often featured on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and he had numerous hit singles, including American Girl, Refugee, and The Waiting. He also released several live albums, including Pack Up the Plantation: Live! and Runnin' Down a Dream, which featured performances from venues such as the Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl.

Awards and Legacy

Tom Petty won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was also awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was named one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. Petty's music has been covered by numerous artists, including The Black Crowes, The Gaslight Anthem, and John Mayer, and he has been cited as an influence by artists such as Dave Matthews, Ryan Adams, and Jason Isbell. Petty's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and artists around the world, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected musicians of all time, with a career that spanned over four decades and included collaborations with artists such as Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Roger McGuinn.

Personal Life

Tom Petty was married twice, first to Jane Benyo and then to Dana York, and had two daughters, Adria Petty and Annakim Violette Petty. He was known for his private and introspective personality, but was also a vocal advocate for artists' rights and was involved in several high-profile lawsuits, including a lawsuit against MCA Records and a lawsuit against Universal Music Group. Petty was also a longtime resident of Los Angeles, California, and was often seen performing at venues such as the Greek Theatre and the Hollywood Bowl. He passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and beloved musicians of all time, with a career that included collaborations with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Brian Wilson. Category:American musicians