Questions
When and where was Tom Petty born?
He was born on October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida, where he grew up in the Northeast Gainesville Residential District.
Is it true he met Elvis Presley as a kid?
Yes. Reportedly at age 10 he met Elvis Presley on a film set in Ocala, Florida, an encounter that changed his life. Seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan later pushed him to pursue music seriously.
What was his first band before the Heartbreakers?
He started out in Mudcrutch, which also included future Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Their only single, "Depot Street" (1975), failed to chart.
When did he form Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and who was in it?
He formed the band in 1976. The first lineup was Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench from Mudcrutch, plus Ron Blair and Stan Lynch, with Petty as frontman.
What are some of his most famous songs?
Fan favorites include "American Girl" (1976), "Refugee," "Free Fallin’" (1989), "Learning to Fly" (1991), and "Wildflowers" (1994).
What was the Traveling Wilburys?
It was a supergroup Petty was part of from 1988 to 1990 alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. Their first song, "Handle with Care," was reportedly meant to be a B-side but turned out too good to waste.
Who produced Full Moon Fever?
The 1989 album Full Moon Fever, featuring "Free Fallin’," was co-produced by Petty and Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra.
Did his house really catch fire?
Yes. A house fire in Encino, California on May 17, 1987 destroyed his signature gray top hat, though firefighters saved his basement studio and his original Gibson Dove guitar.
How many records has he sold?
He sold over 80 million records worldwide, and Damn the Torpedoes (1979) went platinum while Hypnotic Eye (2014) debuted at number one.
Did Tom Petty ever do voice acting?
He did. He voiced Lucky Kleinschmidt on King of the Hill from 2004 to 2009, appeared in films like The Postman (1997), and guest-starred on Saturday Night Live eight times.
Did another artist have to give him songwriting royalties?
Yes. In 2015 Petty and Jeff Lynne each received 12.5% royalties from Sam Smith’s "Stay with Me" after similarities to "I Won’t Back Down" were acknowledged.
Where does Rolling Stone rank him?
He is ranked 91st on Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Artists of All Time, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
When did Tom Petty die and what was the cause?
He died on October 2, 2017 at UCLA Medical Center at age 66, after being found in cardiac arrest the day before. The cause was an accidental overdose from mixed toxicity including fentanyl, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines, reportedly while dealing with pain he had postponed hip surgery for.
What was his final concert?
His 40th Anniversary Tour ended on September 25, 2017 at the Hollywood Bowl, closing with "American Girl."
How has he been honored since his death?
Tom Petty Park opened in Gainesville in October 2018, the University of Florida gave him an honorary PhD in December 2021, and his song "Love Is a Long Road" featured in the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer in December 2023, gaining 90 million YouTube views in 24 hours.
