More Hits- "Refugee" and "The Waiting"ĭespite this acrimonious start with MCA, the group signed with its subsidiary Backstreet Records and began work on their next album, Damn the Torpedoes. 23 on the charts and producing the popular singles “Listen to Her Heart” and “I Need to Know.” However, their momentum was momentarily threatened when Shelter was bought by MCA, and Petty’s attempts to renegotiate their contract led to lengthy legal proceedings that left him bankrupt and bitter. Undeterred, the group returned to the studio to record their second album, 1978’s You’re Gonna Get It!, which fared far better than its predecessor, reaching No. Incredibly, the single “American Girl,” one of their best-known and best-loved songs, failed to reach the American charts until it was also re-released nearly two decades later. 40 on the charts, giving the group their first taste of success. Hoping to capitalize on their newly won overseas popularity, Shelter re-released the single “Breakdown” in the United States, and it reached No. The album initially sold poorly, until a subsequent tour of England with Nils Lofgren landed it on the British charts. Released in November 1976, their self-titled debut established the blueprint for success that would follow on much of their subsequent work, combining a hard-edged, rock-and-roll foundation with the pop sensibilities of 1960s groups such as the Beatles and the Byrds, and featuring Petty’s distinctive voice and gift for succinct storytelling. Shortly thereafter, they restructured Petty’s deal with Shelter, signed a contract as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and set to work on a new record. Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersĪfter trying for a while to put together a new backing band, Petty eventually reconnected with his former Mudcrutch bandmates Mike Campbell (guitar) and Benmont Tench (keyboards), who were playing with bassist Ron Blair and drummer Stan Lynch. Within a few years, their confidence in him would be duly rewarded. However, the label recognized Petty’s talent and offered him a solo contract. There, Petty and Benyo had their second daughter, AnnaKim, and Mudcrutch signed to Shelter Records, but when their lone single went largely unnoticed, the group disbanded. The year 1974 proved a pivotal one for Petty, who married his girlfriend, Jane Benyo (with whom he already had a daughter, Adria), before moving to Los Angeles with Mudcrutch in the hopes of reaching a wider audience. Petty quickly emerged as the frontman and primary songwriter in the group, which soon developed a devoted local following. He began playing bass with a local group called the Epics, and at the age of 17, he dropped out of school to perform with a new band that would become known as Mudcrutch, named after the farm where two of its members lived. But Petty found refuge in music, idolizing the likes of Elvis Presley and the Beatles and learning to play guitar.īy high school, Petty’s passion for music was all-consuming. Though he was close to his mother and younger brother, Petty had a difficult relationship with his father, who was often physically and verbally abusive. Petty was born in Gainesville, Florida, on October 20, 1950, the first son of Earl and Kitty Petty. 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. It’s worth noting that, as a testament to Petty’s artistic longevity, the top three selections are all from different decades.Rock musician Tom Petty began his career in earnest with a group called Mudcrutch. Here are Petty’s sixteen studio albums – thirteen with the Heartbreakers and three solo – ranked from worst to best. But it’s worth digging through his studio albums for further gems. Petty’s a great singles artist, and he’s most effective on a compilation like 1993’s Greatest Hits or 2000’s Anthology: Through the Years. Original bassist Ron Blair left the Heartbreakers in 1982 but returned in 2002 to replace Howie Epstein. Mike Campbell’s economical guitar leads, Benmont Tench’s classy piano and Hammond organ, and Stan Lynch’s crisp drumming all added value to Petty’s music. Petty was ably supported by the Heartbreakers, a world class backing band. He emerged with a 1976 debut album that was inspired by mid-1960s acts like The Byrds, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. Florida rock and roller Tom Petty distinguished himself with a lovable stream of self-deprecating hits.
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