Tom Petty (1950

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Biography

Thomas Earl Petty was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was the leader and frontman of the rock bands Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch and a member of the late 1980s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. He was also a successful solo artist.

In Their Own Words (5)

You know, sometimes, I don't know why,But this old town just seems so hopeless.I ain't really sure, but it seems I remember the good timesWere just a little bit more in focus.

Here Comes My Girl, written with Mike Campbell , 1979

I'm an insider, I been burned by the fire.And I've had to live with some hard promises.I've crawled through the briars,I'm an insider.

Insider , 1981

Restless sleep, twisted dreamsMoving targets, silent screams.Restless city, restless streetRestless you, restless me.

Restless , 1978

I need to know(I need to know)I need to know(I need to know)If you think you're gonna leave,Then you better say so.

I Need to Know , 1978

The waiting is the hardest part.Every day you see one more card.You take it on faith, you take it to the heart.The waiting is the hardest part.

The Waiting , 1981

Timeline

The story of Tom Petty, told in moments.

Life

Fought his record label in court over contract disputes twice. Filed for bankruptcy to get out of one deal. Won both times. Became known as a musician who stood up for artists' rights against the industry.

Why file for bankruptcy to escape a record deal? Was fighting for artists' rights personal or principled? Did winning both legal battles change the industry?

1976 Event

Released Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' self-titled debut. It flopped in the U.S. but broke big in England, where the band toured relentlessly. American radio caught up. "Breakdown" became their first hit.

Why did England believe in you before America did? What kept you touring relentlessly when the debut flopped? Was 'Breakdown' the moment everything turned?

1989 Event

Full Moon Fever, his first major solo album, sold five million copies. "Free Fallin'" and "I Won't Back Down" became classic rock staples. He also joined the Traveling Wilburys supergroup with Dylan, Harrison, Orbison, and Lynne.

Was Full Moon Fever the album you'd always wanted to make? What was the Traveling Wilburys like with Dylan and Harrison? Are 'Free Fallin'' and 'I Won't Back Down' autobiographical?

2017 Death

Died of an accidental drug overdose in Santa Monica at 66. Had just completed a 40th anniversary tour. Cardiac arrest from a mix of painkillers prescribed for a fractured hip.

Did you know the painkillers were a danger? What would you want played at your memorial? Was the 40th anniversary tour a proper farewell?