Rock and Roll legend Tom Petty passed away this afternoon at the age of 66. According to CBS, the musician was hospitalized yesterday at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest. Fans across the world are still reeling in shock from the news of the beloved musician’s passing. Throughout his lifetime, Petty was honored with a total of three Grammy Awards, along with a massive total of eighteen nominations. In 2002, Tom Petty was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Born on October 20, 1950, Petty grew up in Gainesville, Florida. After meeting Elvis Presley, Petty became further inspired to pursue music after watching the Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show back in 1964. Over the years, he purportedly learned from Don Felder, one of the guitarists for The Eagles. At 20 years old, Petty created the band Mudcrutch. The group eventually disbanded, but not all of the members parted ways, as Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench joined Petty, Ron Blair, and Stan Lynch to later form The Heartbreakers. Best known for his work through Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the group gained widespread success with their initial debut in 1976.Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers enjoyed critical acclaim and success, especially with popular tracks like, "Don't Do Me Like That", "The Waiting", and "Don't Come Around Here No More". In the eighties, Tom Petty toured with other esteemed musicians such as Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead.

Soon after, Tom Petty linked up with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne to create the group called the Traveling Wilburys. Petty worked on two albums with the group, which were released in the 1988 and 1990, and also took time to create his own solo work. In 1989, Petty released Full Moon FeverFull Moon Fever with Jeff Lynne. The album was wildly successful, and included popular songs like, "I Won't Back Down", "Runnin' Down a Dream" and one of his most iconic songs, "Free Fallin'."

In 1994, Petty released his second album entitled "Wildflowers", which also featured guitarist Mike Campbell. In 2015, it was revealed that Petty struggled with a strong heroin addiction during his career in the nineties, but he continued to create work. Petty just recently wrapped up his 40th anniversary tour this past summer. So many music fans around the world have been devastated by the news, and will always remember Petty's incredible impact with his work. Petty is survived by his widow, Dana York Epperson, and his two daughters, Adria and Anna Kim.

Written by Jade Nicolette

Twitter: @nicolette_style