Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
- Born:
- Tom Petty: October 20, 1950, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Died:
- Tom Petty: October 2, 2017, Santa Monica, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Musicians (Band): Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Band
Early Life and Education
- Tom Petty, born in Gainesville, Florida, developed an early interest in music, inspired by seeing The Beatles on television.
- He dropped out of high school to pursue music.
- The original members of the Heartbreakers came from a variety of Gainesville-based bands.
Career and Major Achievements
- Formed Mudcrutch in the early 1970s, a precursor to The Heartbreakers.
- Signed to Shelter Records in 1976 as Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, releasing their self-titled debut album.
- Achieved mainstream success with albums like Damn the Torpedoes (1979), Hard Promises (1981), and Full Moon Fever (1989).
- Petty also had a successful solo career, releasing albums such as Full Moon Fever, Wildflowers, and Highway Companion.
- The Heartbreakers served as Petty's backing band throughout his solo work and frequently collaborated.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
- Performed a final tour celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2017.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
| Album Title | Year | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers | 1976 | Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers |
| Damn the Torpedoes | 1979 | Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers |
| Full Moon Fever | 1989 | Tom Petty |
| Wildflowers | 1994 | Tom Petty |
Filmography (Selected)
- FM (1978) - Cameo appearance as himself.
- Made in Heaven (1987) - Character: Stanky
- The Postman (1997) - Character: Himself
Legacy and Impact
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers created a vast catalog of classic rock hits, influencing generations of musicians with their blend of rock, pop, and country influences. The legacy of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers biography reflects a lasting impact on American music, solidifying their place among rock's most iconic figures.