Tom Petty

Date of Birth: October 20, 1950

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: October 2, 2017

Biography

Tom Petty was an iconic American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Petty’s music career began in earnest in the mid-1970s. His sound, characterized by jangly guitars and heartfelt lyrics, became synonymous with the heartland rock genre, attracting a broad audience across multiple generations. Petty formed the Heartbreakers in 1976, and the band quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and classic rock hits. Some of their most memorable songs include “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’,” “Refugee,” and “I Won’t Back Down.” Petty was also a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys, alongside Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. Throughout his career, Petty sold over 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Petty’s music continues to influence countless artists and remains a staple on classic rock radio stations.

5 Interesting Facts about Tom Petty

1. Tom Petty gave up smoking marijuana after he was arrested for arson in 1987, a charge that was later dropped.

2. He had a deep friendship with George Harrison, leading to the formation of the Traveling Wilburys.

3. Petty voiced the character of Lucky on the animated TV show “King of the Hill.”

4. He was a fierce advocate for artists’ rights, famously battling his record company over the price of his album “Hard Promises.”

5. Petty overcame a heroin addiction in the 1990s, which he later discussed openly in interviews.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tom Petty

1. “Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life.”

2. “I’m not really concerned with boundaries. I just follow my heart and my feelings.”

3. “Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent. As far as I’m concerned, that’s success.”

4. “You belong somewhere you feel free.”

5. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to plan too much for the future. You can’t predict what’s going to happen.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Tom Petty’s net worth was estimated to be around $95 million.

Children

Tom Petty had two daughters with his first wife, Jane Benyo. Their names are Adria Petty, a director and artist, and Annakim Violette, an artist and designer.