Tom Petty was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist, born in Gainesville, Florida in 1950. As a boy he met Elvis Presley on a film set, a moment he credited with turning him toward rock and roll.
The Heartbreakers
He formed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976 and broke through with 1979’s Damn the Torpedoes, which carried “Refugee” and “Don’t Do Me Like That”. “American Girl” and “The Waiting” became staples.
Stevie Nicks
He wrote “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” as a duet for himself and Stevie Nicks, a 1981 hit from her album Bella Donna.
Full Moon Fever
His 1989 solo album Full Moon Fever gave him “Free Fallin'”, “I Won’t Back Down” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream”. Around the same time he joined Bob Dylan and others in the Traveling Wilburys. Johnny Cash later covered “I Won’t Back Down”.
Lasting catalogue
His 1993 Greatest Hits, featuring “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”, remains one of his best-selling records. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and died in 2017 at the age of 66.
Most loved songs
A spread across the catalogue. Each title opens through the in-site player.
▶ I Wont Back Down
▶ American Girl
▶ Refugee
▶ Learning to Fly
▶ Mary Janes Last Dance
▶ The Waiting
- Full nameThomas Earl Petty
- BornOctober 20, 1950, Gainesville, Florida
- DiedOctober 2, 2017, age 66
- GenresHeartland rock, rock
- Also known for“Free Fallin”
From a jangly rocker to a wide-open anthem, the odds are good a Tom Petty song has stayed with you. Type the line you remember into the search box above and you may find it leads back to him.