OR

20 Oct, 1950
02 Oct, 2017
Drug overdose
American
Song writer
66
Thomas Earl Petty, also known as Tom Petty, was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Petty was born on October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida. During his childhood, he developed a deep attachment to rock music after his mother gifted him a guitar at the age of 11. Petty’s passion for music escalated when he met Elvis Presley during a film shoot in Florida in 1961.
In 1976, Petty started the band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, consisting of Mike Campbell (lead guitarist), Benmont Tench (keyboardist), Ron Blair (bassist), and Stan Lynch (drummer). Their first album, *Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers*, was released on November 9, 1976, by Shelter Records, which laid the foundation for their subsequent success.
Over the next few decades, they released multiple acclaimed albums and received outstanding success. Among their notable works are “American Girl,” “Refugee,” “The Waiting,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” “Learning to Fly,” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” Petty also had a successful solo career. Released in 1989, his first solo album, *Full Moon Fever*, achieved commercial success with hit singles like “Free Fallin’,” “I Won’t Back Down,” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
In 2002, Tom Petty was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He received three Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, Best Rock Album, and Best Long Form Music Video. His solo albums *Full Moon Fever* (1989) and *Into the Great Wide Open* (1991) reached triple platinum in the United States. As a solo artist, Petty had numerous Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Free Fallin’,” “I Won’t Back Down,” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
Petty’s passionate, determined, and independent spirit led him to become a great personality who inspired many young individuals. His enduring influence on rock music and his contributions to the genre cemented his legacy as one of the most iconic musicians of his time.
Devastatingly, on October 2, 2017, Tom Petty passed away at the age of 66. Due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs at his residence in Malibu, California, he had a cardiac arrest and was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The news of his death disappointed and surprised his fans, as he had just completed a successful tour days before.
Tom Petty
Tom Petty
Male
Drug overdose
Gainesville, Florida, U.S.
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Entertainer: Spontaneous, energetic and enthusiastic people life is never boring around them. Tom Petty was known for his reflective, artistic nature and love of freedom. His music was deeply personal and emotionally resonant, making him a beloved figure in rock music.
Meeting Elvis Presley at age 11 sparked Petty's love for rock and roll music and inspired him to pursue a music caree
In 1981, Petty fought to keep the price of his album "Hard Promises" at $8.98 instead of $9.98, refusing to release it until his record label agreed to the lower price
Petty had a recurring voice acting role as Lucky Kleinschmidt in the animated comedy series "King of the Hill" from 2004 to 2009
In December 2021, four years after his death, the University of Florida awarded Petty an honorary doctorate degree, recognizing him as "widely considered among the most distinctive and influential musicians over the past 50 years
His solo albums Full Moon Fever (1989) and Into the Great Wide Open (1991) both achieved triple platinum status in the United States.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 as a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Scored numerous Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Free Fallin’,” “I Won’t Back Down,” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
Received three Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, Best Rock Album, and Best Long Form Music Video.
Honored with a Billboard Century Award in 2005 for his lifetime achievements in music. – Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999 for his contributions to music.
Recognized as one of the most successful rock artists of his era, with over 80 million records sold worldwide.