Tom Petty (1950-2017) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and was also a member of the late 1980s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. Petty released 13 studio albums with the Heartbreakers, two solo albums, and three studio albums with the supergroup Mudcrutch. He is well known for such hits as “Breakdown,” “American Girl,” “Refugee,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” and “Free Fallin’.” His career spanned over 40 years and his music was a mixture of rock, country, and Americana. Petty was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
| Name | Tom Petty |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1950 |
| Genre | Rock, Heartland rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, bass, harmonica, keyboards |
| Labels | Shelter, MCA, Warner Bros., American |
| Associated Acts | The Heartbreakers, Traveling Wilburys, Mudcrutch |
10 Best Tom Petty Quotes
“I don’t think I’m a rebel. I’m just doing what I like.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“I feel like I’m always learning. I’m still a student.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“Writing songs is something I kind of stumbled into.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
“I’ve learned a lot about songwriting and I’m still learning. It’s a never-ending process.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
“I think you can learn a lot from other people’s mistakes.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
“Music is an expression of yourself, and I think the more you can express the better.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
“I think when you get older, you’re more confident. You know what you’re doing, and you don’t worry so much about what other people think.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
“I just want to write songs that make people feel something.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
“I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself, and follow your own path.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
“When you’re in a band, it’s like a family. You have to learn to work with each other.”
– Tom Petty, from AZ Quotes
7 Inspirational Tom Petty Quotes
“If you think too much about a thing, you’ll never get it done.”
– Tom Petty, from The Guardian
“I found out early that the only way to get ahead in the music business was to work.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“Don’t let other people define you.”
– Tom Petty, from GQ
“I just try to express certain feelings I have.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“Sometimes it’s hard to remember the fire you had at the beginning.”
– Tom Petty, from The Independent
“I want to make something that will be around a long time after I’m gone.”
– Tom Petty, from Billboard
“I’m always trying to push it further and make something that’s better than before.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
5 Famous Tom Petty Quotes
“I think when you get to a certain age, you realize that life is very short and you don’t want to waste it on things that aren’t important.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“I was always told, ‘You can’t do that.’ It’s not in the rule book. You’ve just got to find a different way.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“Guitar was a rebellion for me. I found my own little way of doing it and I stuck with that.”
– Tom Petty, from Guitar World
“I’m not that optimistic. I don’t think the world is necessarily a great place.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“I want to be a part of the world, but it’s a tricky balance. I don’t like to be a part of the system.”
– Tom Petty, from Guitar World
6 Tom Petty Quotes About Love
“It’s about the moments of love that you find in life, and it’s about embracing that love and knowing that’s what life is about.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“Love is such an important thing.”
– Tom Petty, from Billboard
“You’re talking about the things that really matter, which is about love and about family.”
– Tom Petty, from NPR
“It’s about the moments of love that you find in life, and it’s about embracing that love and knowing that’s what life is about.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“Love is a funny thing. It’s a very powerful thing. It’s a very elusive thing. It’s a very real thing.”
– Tom Petty, from Consequence of Sound
“I think, for me, it all comes down to love. It can be said in so many ways.”
– Tom Petty, from The Hollywood Reporter
5 Tom Petty Quotes About Life
“Life is a precious gift, and you should do as much as you can with it.”
– Tom Petty, from Rolling Stone
“Life is too short to be non-stop.”
– Tom Petty, from Huffington Post
“Life is about the journey, not the destination.”
– Tom Petty, from Yahoo! Music
“The trick to enjoying life is to find something you love to do and get good at it.”
– Tom Petty, from The Guardian
“Life is a funny proposition.”
– Tom Petty, from The Hollywood Reporter
8 Quotes About Tom Petty
“He was a rebel, and a thinker. He was both. And he was a good man.”
– Bob Dylan, from Rolling Stone
“He was a great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”
– Jeff Lynne, from Rolling Stone
“I am in shock. A great friend, one of the brightest lights in music has just passed.”
– Ryan Adams, from Rolling Stone
“Tom was the epitome of the word ‘cool.’ He showed me the power of songwriting and the power of being true to yourself.”
– John Mayer, from Rolling Stone
“Tom Petty’s music and lyrics have always been a source of joy and inspiration in my life.”
– Sheryl Crow, from Rolling Stone
“He was a beautiful soul with a voice and heart to match.”
– Elton John, from Rolling Stone
“His music was honest, beautiful, and reflected his spirit.”
– Foo Fighters, from Rolling Stone
Interview with Tom Petty
Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Petty
1. What are some of the most popular Tom Petty quotes?
Tom Petty was a beloved singer-songwriter and musician, and his words inspired many. Here are some of the most popular quotes from Tom Petty:
- “It’s good to be king.”
- “Above all else, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”
- “The waiting is the hardest part.”
- “You don’t have to live like a refugee.”
- “Gain is not the goal, change is.”
- “You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won’t back down.”
- “Don’t come around here no more.”
- “The only one who can tell you ‘you can’t’ is you. And you don’t have to listen.”
- “Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life.”
- “You can always come back, but you can’t come back all the way.”
2. What themes are commonly found in Tom Petty’s lyrics?
Tom Petty’s lyrics are often lauded for their insight into the human experience. He is known for singing about the struggles of everyday life, and his lyrics often include themes of heartache, love, and resilience. Some of the most common themes found in Tom Petty’s lyrics are as follows:
- Love: Tom Petty’s lyrics often explore the complexities of love, from the joys of a new relationship to the heartbreak of a failed one.
- Heartache: Petty’s lyrics often explore the pain of heartache, from the sadness of a broken relationship to the grief of a lost loved one.
- Resilience: Tom Petty’s lyrics often express the power of resilience and the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult life may seem.
- Freedom: Petty’s lyrics often explore the idea of freedom, from the thrill of being on the open road to the joy of being able to express oneself.
These themes are often found in many of Tom Petty’s most popular songs, such as “Free Fallin’”, “I Won’t Back Down”, and “You Don’t Know How It Feels”. Tom Petty’s lyrics are often praised for their insight and honesty, and his songs continue to be beloved by generations of fans.
3. How did Tom Petty’s music influence other artists?
Tom Petty’s music was a huge influence on many different genres of music. He was a master of blending rock, folk, and country together to create a unique sound. His unique style was a major influence on the alt-rock genre that developed in the 90s and beyond.
- Pearl Jam – Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam has cited Tom Petty as an influence on the band’s sound. The band even recorded a cover of Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” as a tribute.
- U2 – Bono of U2 has cited Petty as an influence, saying that Petty “got to the heart of the matter with great economy”.
- John Mayer – John Mayer has cited Petty as an influence on his own songwriting and has performed Petty’s songs in concert.
- The Killers – Brandon Flowers of The Killers has cited Petty as an influence, saying that he was “one of the few guys who could write a song that could be happy and sad at the same time.”
- Foo Fighters – Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters has cited Petty as an influence and has said that he was “the last of the great American rock stars.”
Overall, Tom Petty’s influence on music is undeniable. His unique sound and songwriting style has shaped generations of musicians and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for years to come.
4. What is the legacy of Tom Petty’s work?
Tom Petty’s legacy as an iconic musician is unparalleled. His music is characterized by a unique combination of classic rock and roll, country, and folk music.
His impact on the music industry can be seen in the many awards he has received, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Petty has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
His work has been covered by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Coldplay. Petty’s influence has been felt across a variety of genres, from punk to pop to country.
The following is a list of some of the highlights of Petty’s legacy:
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999
- Numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and American Music Awards
- His song “Free Fallin’” was named one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
- His songs have been covered by numerous artists from various genres
- His influence has been felt across a variety of genres, from punk to pop to country
Tom Petty’s legacy as a musician and songwriter is one of the most enduring in music history. He will be remembered for generations to come for his unforgettable music and for his impact on the music industry.
5. What are some of the most memorable lines from Tom Petty songs?
Tom Petty was a legendary singer-songwriter who penned many memorable songs that have stood the test of time. His lyrics often featured clever turns of phrase, touching on themes of heartache, freedom, and hope. Here are some of the most memorable lines from Tom Petty songs:
- “It’s good to be king.” – “I Won’t Back Down”
- “Let me introduce you to the one and only truth.” – “You Don’t Know How it Feels”
- “They say that all good things must end someday.” – “The Waiting”
- “You belong among the wildflowers.” – “Wildflowers”
- “I’d rather be a comma than a full stop.” – “Free Fallin'”
These lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of Tom Petty and his music, providing a glimpse into the life of a rock and roll legend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tom Petty’s music was a reflection of his life and the world around him. His lyrics have inspired countless artists and fans alike, and his legacy as an artist and performer will live on forever. His heartfelt words will forever be remembered, and his music will continue to be shared and appreciated for years to come.
