Tom Petty: More Country Than Most, and An American Music Icon For Everyone
This story has been updated.
Amid the tragedy and heartbreak that many woke up to on Monday, October 2nd, as we all stared at our television screens and computer monitors to the the images of horror coming from Las Vegas in what would eventually be declared as the biggest mass shooting in American history, somehow, inexplicably, amid all the chaos and heartbreak, we are now being asked to somehow digest the death of what many will fairly decree as one of the greatest American music artists of all time. Today, there is also heartbreak for the Heartbreaker.
According to numerous reports, Tom Petty was rushed to the hospital Sunday (10-1) night when he was found in his Malibu home unconscious, and not breathing, having suffered from cardiac arrest. They were able to get a pulse on Petty as he was rushed to UCLA Santa Monica Hospital where he was placed on life support, but on “do not resuscitate orders,” the plug was pulled.
Thomas Earl Petty, who from his early work with his local band Mudcrutch, to his time with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, to endless collaborations with the most iconic voices, songwriters, and music performers in the history of popular music, influenced everything we know about life and culture that can be carried in a song. Only Tom Petty could stand beside one of the Beatles in the form of George Harrison, one of the most legendary voices to ever grace the world in Roy Orbison, and arguably modern history’s greatest songwriter in Bob Dylan, and consider himself a peer. And more importantly, they were proud to be counted as peers of Petty in the Traveling Wilburys period.
Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, he dropped out of high school at 17 to form his first band Mudcrutch. He cites meeting Elvis at age 10 as an influence on him deciding to pursue rock & roll as a lifelong career, but Petty was also very much influenced by the swampy Southern environs he found himself among in central Florida. One of his guitar teachers was Don Felder of The Eagles fame who also lived in the area, and would go on to pen the iconic song “Hotel California.” After Mudcrutch split up, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were formed, first creeping onto the scene, more popular in Britain and bubbling under in America, but by the time Petty released Full Moon Fever in 1989, there was nobody that embodied American music more than him.
Tom Petty’s contributions to rock & roll are unquestionable, and he is Mount Rushmore-worthy in the pantheon of the genre, at least in the modern era. But Petty was never just about braying guitars and power chords, or raucous stadium presentations. What made Tom Petty the iconic music superstar for everyone is that he had a genuine, down-to-earth, and dare we say, country music style and songwriting approach that allowed him to appeal to so many from such a disparate set of backgrounds. His music may have been rock, but the message and the style was universal, and it’s unquestionable country music would not sound the same if it wasn’t for the Petty influence.
In 2013, Tom Petty even came to the aid of true country music in an event that became a rallying cry for years to come. In an interview from Rolling Stone following up on an anti modern country rant Petty delivered from the stage of the Beacon Theater in New York City, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer said in a story whose subtitle is “Singer also discusses songwriting and criticizes modern country music…”
Well, yeah I mean, I hate to generalize on a whole genre of music, but it does seem to be missing that magic element that it used to have. I’m sure there are people playing country that are doing it well, but they’re just not getting the attention that the shittier stuff gets. But that’s the way it always is, isn’t it?
But I hope that kind of swings around back to where it should be. But I don’t really see a George Jones or a Buck Owens or any anything that fresh coming up. I’m sure there must be somebody doing it, but most of that music reminds me of rock in the middle Eighties where it became incredibly generic and relied on videos. I don’t want to rail on about country because I don’t really know much about it, but that’s what it seems like to me.
Petty spent a portion of his set at New York’s Beacon theater in 2013 explaining his country roots after polishing off a version of The Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil.” Petty said the country music he listened to was “not like it is today, like bad rock with a fiddle.” Then Petty and The Heartbreakers played Conway Twitty’s “The Image of Me.”
Countless songs from the Tom Petty discography you could count as country if you wanted, and most certainly they were more country than the music you hear coming from the country radio today. But Petty never cared to call himself country, or cross swords with any particular artist specifically. Instead he interpreted his decidedly American experience into decidedly American songs that spoke to all of us universally about what it means to live in the Land of the Free.
Petty is gone, his music will live on, and so will his influence, most certainly in country music, and far beyond.
Corncaster
October 2, 2017 @ 1:18 pm
and now this … what a no good, dirty, worm-eaten apple rotten day.
CountryCharm
October 2, 2017 @ 1:23 pm
What a terrible day. RIP Tom.
Ivan thompson
January 28, 2021 @ 10:27 am
I don’t like modern country either for most part, although theres exceptions and not all are on a classical note. I like the kids who sing medicine wagon wheel, mama rock me. Truly gifted artists and straight done there own style. So always exceptions. But when you’re having fun and it shows, it moves people too, that is the soul of America. Don’t bend for nothing, if ya wanna sing pop, do it, I just won’t be listening to it, but I respect your effort more than being fake
Gina
October 2, 2017 @ 1:27 pm
Wow, today can suck it. I got to see him with Bob Dylan back in 2003-2004. He was incredible. Tom was one of those musicians my uncle turned me onto when I was just 8 or 9 and I lived him ever since. Just too young to leave us.
Gina
October 2, 2017 @ 1:28 pm
Loved.
Taff Martin
October 2, 2017 @ 1:35 pm
Played a few of his songs in my old band, Last dance, Runnin down a dream etc just a great artist who didn’t seem to worry about genres and just did his best.
Sadly missed.
Seak05
October 2, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
This just sucks
Martha
October 2, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
I can’t even……no words💔😢
Derek Sullivan
October 2, 2017 @ 1:48 pm
RIP Tom. Free Fallin’ came out when I was in high school. In an era of dumb pop and hair metal, it was a CD you could not only listen to, but play it around friends. Everyone loved that album. Then, he released his greatest hits with Last Dance with Mary Jane. I played that thing every day forever. So underrated and so beloved.
Damn this has been a really bad day.
Gabe
October 2, 2017 @ 1:50 pm
Just like that we lose another legend!
Chris
October 2, 2017 @ 1:50 pm
I sure wasn’t ready for this.
When I went to school in Gainesville in the early 1980’s, he was the pride of the city.
This is quite sad.
His music is hard to pin a label (other than outstanding or some similar superlative) on.
Minimal
October 2, 2017 @ 2:00 pm
One of a very few worthy of being called transcendent. RIP.
Columbia Outlaw
October 2, 2017 @ 2:02 pm
Wasn’t Tom 66 not 68 Trigger?
Trigger
October 2, 2017 @ 2:12 pm
He was 66. It has been a very, very busy day.
Derek Sullivan
October 2, 2017 @ 2:29 pm
Thank you Trigger for writing about Tom Petty. I don’t consider myself a country music fan. It’s just that a large chunk of my list is country music performers. Tom Petty is on that list, too. And I’m guessing he’s on a lot of the lists of people who read your great work.
Here’s a link to the last song Petty played live.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZgymIRpWM
HiYUN
October 2, 2017 @ 6:49 pm
It looks like he’s high on something there, kind of stumbling around. Then again it could just be his stage personality.
wjm
October 3, 2017 @ 6:55 am
Or maybe his heart was getting ready to give out on him.
Sam Hunt Steve
October 2, 2017 @ 2:07 pm
When Glen Frey passed, I thought it was a bad day. This is worse. I’m glad you mentioned the Traveling Wilburys, Trigger. They made great music and not many people know about them. Petty will always be one of my favorite singer-songwriters. This one hurts…
Ryan
October 2, 2017 @ 2:24 pm
Terrible news. I saw him put on a tremendous show in June. Still seemed like he had a lot left in the tank. Definitely one of the greats.
Oregon Outlaw
October 2, 2017 @ 2:26 pm
This one hits hard, and especially after this morning’s news 🙁 Seems like for a lot of us his music just embodies those carefree high school days. Back before responsibilities tied us all down. Back before mass shootings were even a thing. I know we look back through time with rose colored glasses. But it still just hurts. RIP Tom.
Dan Morris
October 3, 2017 @ 3:07 am
I was just thinking the same thing Oregon Outlaw. I was 17 in 1979 and had just bought my first pickup truck with my own money when Damn the Torpedoes was released. It didn’t leave my cassette deck for months. Another icon gone. Damn tough day
G Harp and a Larrivee
October 2, 2017 @ 2:30 pm
Damn. I saw Jamey Johnson in Fredericksburg, VA last weekend and he covered Mary Jane’s Last Dance. I thought to myself – I haven’t seen Petty in a really long time, I should try to go see him again. Damn…
D
October 2, 2017 @ 2:41 pm
Was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers the most iconic American Rock band? Who do you elevate above? The Eagles?
Jackson
October 3, 2017 @ 9:30 am
CCR.
D
October 3, 2017 @ 1:53 pm
I may like CCR better. But I don’t think they are more established or recognizable. I figured somebody would say the Grateful Dead.
Jackson
October 3, 2017 @ 8:26 pm
Well, they haven’t really been out there touring or releasing new music for, what, 45 years now? But just imagine how big a reunion tour would be. Not to take anything away from the Eagles, the Heartbreakers, the Dead or anyone else but to me it doesn’t get more iconic than “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Fortunate Son,” “Green River,” “Born on the Bayou,” and so many others. They may not have the coolness factor of the Dead and that’s probably just a lack of marketing, but I feel like more people would recognize more of their songs.
I think we can probably agree that all of those mentioned so far would be in the top five most iconic American rock bands. We can debate the order. Not sure who the fifth would be. Nirvana, The Ramones, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd are all contenders.
Trigger
October 2, 2017 @ 2:41 pm
Hey Folks,
So just in the abundance of caution, there are some conflicting reports out there that Petty was taken off of life support due to “do not resuscitate” orders, but that he MAY be clinging to life still in the hospital, despite “confirmed” reports to the contrary. However, even these new reports are saying that Petty is not expected to live through the evening.
I’ll continue to monitor the situation like everyone else.
Wesley Gray
October 2, 2017 @ 2:50 pm
i have no words. fan since i was in 3rd grade. rest in peace. 😔😔😔
sweet on stuart
October 2, 2017 @ 2:50 pm
The only Petty music I have is a greatest hits collection. I was in high school through college during his standout run as a rock star. Never felt compelled to buy his records but I did like him a lot. He was what rock star should be… musically intelligent re his instrument and one who took in all influences. I really felt loss when I heard about his passing.
Columbia Outlaw
October 6, 2017 @ 8:25 am
Listen to Louisiana Rain. Very country.
HiYUN
October 2, 2017 @ 3:07 pm
Wow, I saw tom petty this summer… what an incredible show, and the crowd had huge energy. His backup singers were great.
I guess this is a good reminder, these rock legends are getting old, better see them while you still have the chance.
Rip
bamstrait
October 2, 2017 @ 3:11 pm
Always felt he was underrated and under appreciated
Corncaster
October 2, 2017 @ 3:35 pm
I loved “Refugee” best
he had that rueful streetwise look of the fellow wounded, then he’d lash out with:
“it don’t really matter to me — everybody’s had to fight to be free”
the wiry urchin who survived, the battered flag, the Huck Finn of American roots rock
all those guys, we’re going to miss one day
step up!
jtrpdx
October 3, 2017 @ 3:42 pm
Refuge is great. And a great sounding album. Recorded at Sound City Studios. The documentary film of the same name, which heavily features Tom Petty, is not to be missed.
Doug
October 15, 2017 @ 11:19 am
The Petty biography on Netflix is good, too (directed by Peter Bogdanovich). There’s also a lot about the recording of “Refugee” on The Defiant Ones, the HBO series about Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, Iovine produced Damn the Torpedoes and he says they worked on that song for months. Well worth it, imo: one of most inspiring rock songs ever, it gave me courage at a time when I needed some.
Woogeroo
October 2, 2017 @ 3:37 pm
ah man… now this too!?
Two of my favorite concerts ever, after the big greatest hits album and wildflowers came out… I saw them twice on that tour, great live shows.
Heck of a songwriter.
sad for his family and friends.
RIP
Aggc
October 2, 2017 @ 3:44 pm
Got “Louisiana Rain” cranked way up right now…
Huntermc6
October 2, 2017 @ 4:35 pm
Tom Petty has always been one of my favorite Rock ‘n Roll artist. I feel his music has transcended generations really well. Sad to have to say good bye.
kapam
October 2, 2017 @ 5:26 pm
So saddened to hear of Tom Petty’s passing. He has been an icon in authentic, honest American music. Was a huge fan and always welcomed Tom’s approach to popular music with a strong sense of what makes it good.
It is somewhat ironic that the leader of this piece suggests “more country than most” which I totally agree with; given what passes for “Country” nowadays (especially on radio). RIP Tom Petty.
Brett
October 2, 2017 @ 5:41 pm
This is rough. Just good ol american, shit kickin rock n roll is what tom petty and the heartbreakers are. Id deem their greatest hits compilation and in particular the Wildflowers album essential for all country fans. Tough day. My prayers are his family and still liftin up Vegas and families and musicians affected.
Tom Smith
October 2, 2017 @ 5:43 pm
This is a rough one for me.
Larry Smart
October 2, 2017 @ 5:47 pm
Don’t forget Tom Benmont and mike Campbell’s contribution on Johnny Cash’s American Albums…Some of Cash’s best stuff
Mike
October 2, 2017 @ 6:16 pm
Crushed. He was one of the pillars that my musical tastes rested on. Don’t forget the amazing work he did with Johnny Cash.
ScruffyCity
October 2, 2017 @ 8:35 pm
Yeah, I’m crushed, too. Tom Petty was so important and very influential in the world of rock or more correctly rock & roll. And he NEVER sold out or wimped out.
Charlie Rose of PBS and CBS fame had Tom Petty on his PBS show about 14-15 years ago. Charlie asked Tom questions about his music, which Rose characterized as rock music. Tom corrected him, saying that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a rock & roll band, not a rock band.
Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers are the greatest American rock & roll band of all time, in my opinion. R.I.P.
hoptowntiger94
October 2, 2017 @ 6:19 pm
When I first heard “Southern Accent,” I knew that Gainesville boy and I had a lot in common. Those last two Mudcrutch albums were gems. He was my gateway to classic rock, but always considered him one of us.
Gina
October 2, 2017 @ 9:18 pm
It looks like the BBC and CNN have confirmed his death.
eckiezZ
October 2, 2017 @ 9:35 pm
sad day.
gonna listen to square one on a loop for awhile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux-RDvSHcI0
Doug
October 15, 2017 @ 11:23 am
Such a great song, and so close to the bone. I listened to this a few times the day Petty died, too. One of the things to love and admire about Petty, in addition to all the great cool music, was his honesty, and this song is a good example of that.
Ulysses McCaskill
October 2, 2017 @ 11:56 pm
RIP to a musical icon. Let’s get to the point, roll another joint, and celebrate the great life he lived.
Bear
October 3, 2017 @ 1:25 am
Petty and the Heartbreakers was my first music love. It was through him I discovered song craft and more importantly a lot of the country music I listen too.
I recall Johnny Cash saying the song, “Southern Accents” was greatest southern anthem of all time even more than Dixie.
I am very sad but, we still have his music. Rock on brother Petty and ride that train to George and Roy.
RD
October 3, 2017 @ 7:02 am
“Even before my father’s fathers
They called us all rebels
Burned our cornfields
And left our cities leveled
I can still see the eyes
Of those blue bellied devils
When I’m walking round tonight
Through the concrete and metal”
Erik North
October 3, 2017 @ 7:22 am
And for anyone who wants a taste of Mr. Petty’s C&W side, here’s his 1994 track “Girl On LSD”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-gyHzqKZRU
Columbia Outlaw
October 6, 2017 @ 8:23 am
Louisiana Rain is really good and very country too.
olds
October 3, 2017 @ 9:33 am
so sad to hear this….if you ever want a good read, Paul Zollo’s interviews with Petty are really comprehensive and interesting…he wrote hit songs across four decades…last night, when i found out, the only thing i could do was sit in a dark room and play one of his songs….two minutes of tribute to Tom.
https://soundcloud.com/olds-sleeper/you-got-lucky-cvr-olds-sleeper
Gena R.
October 3, 2017 @ 1:16 pm
What a sad shock… :'( RIP Tom.
So many great songs — besides all the ‘Greatest Hits’ (1976-93), plenty of others overlooked from that period (including “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” and “Insider” with Stevie Nicks, “Change of Heart,” “Jammin’ Me,” “A Face in the Crowd,” “Yer So Bad,” “Kings Highway,” and ones with the Traveling Wilburys like “End of the Line” and “Last Night”), and plenty more that came after (“You Don’t Know How It Feels,” “Wildflowers,” “You Wreck Me,” “It’s Good to Be King,” “Walls,” “Free Girl Now,” “Room at the Top,” “Swingin’,” “The Last DJ,” Mudcrutch’s “Scare Easy,” his recording of Lucinda Williams’ “Change the Locks,” etc.). (He also had a hand in writing the Rosanne Cash hit “Never Be You” and Lone Justice’s “Ways to Be Wicked.”)
Also, I loved his guest spot on ‘The Simpsons’ (“How I Spent My Strummer Vacation” is one of my favorite episodes) and his hilarious recurring role as Luanne’s husband, Lucky, on ‘King of the Hill.’
Willie Potter
October 3, 2017 @ 3:58 pm
Fortunate enough to have seen him in concert in the 80s,90s and 2000s.
Along with Springsteen, Seger and Mellencamp, Tom Petty was one of the architects of American Heartland music.
A true musical giant and without a doubt,”more country than most”.
jason
October 3, 2017 @ 11:13 pm
I love Tom Petty
I always felt there was a lot if similarities between him and Dwight Yoakam with how they did it on their own time and their own way
Columbia Outlaw
October 6, 2017 @ 8:22 am
I’d agree with you. How they had a certain feel and style around their music that they somehow always found a niche for no matter what was cool
Bill
October 4, 2017 @ 6:13 am
And now Bob Segar has cancelled the remainder of his 2017 tour due to an “urgent medical issue”. Getting old sucks……
Woogeroo
October 4, 2017 @ 4:22 pm
I was going through my Petty songs on the way to work and back home last night… good stuff.
Columbia Outlaw
October 6, 2017 @ 8:21 am
Louisiana Rain is a really good country song by him
TwangBob
October 20, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
Today is Tom Petty’s birthday; he would have been 67 years young. Still grieving; thanks for the music. God bless Tom Petty!
Ivan thompson
January 28, 2021 @ 10:37 am
I’d rather listen to rap, which I quite often do, than a lot of new dog shit country, but you don’t have johny cash, johny paycheck, Merle haggard and my newer homies, Alan Jackson, I don’t care what he sings about he makes a country music song, I certainly got his back and you can tell a good and genuine person, he put spin on it and is funny as hell sometimes but its shit you can actually relate to or at least honestly laugh at, your the man Alan Jackson