Tom petty biography videos

(1950-2017)

Who Was Tom Petty?

Tom petty biography book

Rock musician Tom Petty began his career in earnest with a group called Mudcrutch. After he and other members re-formed as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the release of their self-titled 1976 debut started a decades-long and extremely successful run, highlighted by multi-platinum albums that featured the now-classic singles “American Girl,” “Refugee,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and “Learning to Fly." In 1989, Petty embarked on an equally successful solo career, delivering memorable music videos to hits like “Free Fallin’” and "Runnin' Down a Dream." Petty also collaborated with other legendary rockers, including Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Johnny Cash, earning three Grammy Awards for his work over the years.

Early Life

Petty was born in Gainesville, Florida, on October 20, 1950, the first son of Earl and Kitty Petty.

Though he was close to his mother and younger brother, Petty had a difficult