#53 Tom Petty

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have been around since 1976. His string of hits from the 70s through the 00s have received heavy radio airplay. Petty’s music hearkens to the 60s and is influenced by the Byrds, Southern Rock, and the Beatles. Petty recorded a solo album in 1989 which became one of the best albums of the decade. "Full Moon Fever" made Petty a superstar. He returned to the Heartbreakers for the tour and further recording. In the 00s, Petty joined the cast of King of the Hill and hosted his own XM radio show. The Heartbreakers last big hit was 2006’s “Saving Grace.” In 2008, they played the Superbowl.

Rock n Roll Moment: In 1979, his record company was sold to MCA. Petty refused to go, filed suit in court, and even filed bankruptcy rather than surrender control to the corporate suits.

Essential Tom Petty:

Damn the Torpedoes (1979)
Full Moon Fever (1989)
Into The Great Wide Open (1991)
Wildflowers (1994)

Tom Petty’s Top 10:

Breakdown
American Girl
Refugee
Don’t Do Me Like That
The Waiting
Don’t Come Around Here No More
Free Failing
I Won’t Back Down
Running Down a Dream
Mary Jane’s Last Dance