Tom Petty was an American original. I know – we say that
about a lot of well-known figures, and obviously, that's what it takes to make
someone worthy of such acclaim. Some people are famous for all the wrong
reasons.
Petty was famous for all the right ones. We know him because he wrote
and sang some of the greatest songs of our time. His style was unmistakable,
with a twang in his voice, and powerful, guitar-driven songs that you want to
listen to over and over.
He followed his dream, forming a band called the Epics,
which soon turned into Mudcrutch, and then Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The
new band released their first album late in 1976, just the beginning of a long
string of albums and exceptional songs. In 1988, Petty joined the Traveling
Wilburys, a super group of epic proportions, collaborating with George
Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne. A brief solo career followed,
and in 1991, the Heartbreakers re-formed.
Although Petty soared as a songwriter and performer, he is
living proof that being a well-known rock star does not, of course, create an
immunity to life struggles. Petty's life was far from perfect, including a
strained relationship with his father, a legal fight with ABC and MCA Records
over artistic control, bankruptcy, drug dependency, an arsonist burning down
his home, a bout with depression, and a divorce.
Yes, we all have life difficulties. Petty and those like him
don't get a pass or bonus points for being famous and having life troubles any
more than the rest of us. A talented songwriter can use such experiences to
fuel artistic expression, and that is often what he did. Fortunately for him,
his family, and music fans, Petty found his way through depressing, trying
circumstances, and continued to make memorable music.
Over the years, Petty maintained a level of excellence in
his music and live performance. Album after album, song after song, fans found
more to like as Petty continued to practice his art. If you were fortunate to
have seen him in live performance, you were treated to a long-remembered
experience. There was no theater, no phoniness; just straight ahead rock and
roll music, played by a thoroughly professional group of musicians, led by the
master himself, Tom Petty.
"Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made us all
believe by singing about ordinary experience in an extraordinary way,"
wrote the the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on their Facebook page.
"Tom Petty was a gentleman," wrote Steve Winwood.
"I had the pleasure and privilege of doing two tours with him. During that
time, I got to see what a brilliant songwriter and musician he is, and how much
he is loved by millions around the world."
Rodney Crowell wrote on Facebook that although he had not
known Petty well, "…he and I crossed paths a few times at this or that
musical function. My spirit was always lifted. I admired the man."
Crowell called him "a solid dude," and: "Tom
Petty is gone, but if there are any bold messengers of musical truth out there
dreaming the untainted rock and roll dream, his legacy is there to be used the
way you would a map and key."
"Tom was a tender southern gent in life, a poet and a
music master on stage. He had a rocking chair wisdom that brought everything
back down to earth. We will love and miss him for the rest of our days." –
Olivia and Dhani Harrison.
"Another Wilbury traveling on," added guitar
legend James Burton.
'Legend' is an overused term. But considering Petty's body
of work, his popularity among fans, the impressive numbers of records sold, and
the respect afforded by his fellow musicians, I can't think of a better way to
describe the man who wrote and performed some of our favorite songs. It is obvious that the accolades are well-deserved.
Since I didn't know him personally, I'll have to take Winwood and Crowell at their word when they use terms like "gentleman", and "solid dude." Like many, I admired Petty for his talent, his commitment to his craft, and his integrity as a musician and performer.
Several months after his passing, information regarding his death was made public. Originally reported as a heart attack, the coroner's report indicated Petty died of an accidental overdose of pain medication. Petty's family revealed he suffered from emphysema, knee problems, and a hip fracture. Pain medication helped him through the final part of his last tour, and a fan video at the last concert (the Hollywood Bowl in September 2017), shows Petty limping off stage after the final number.
Petty's words in the song, 'Here Comes My Girl' may or may not have been autobiographical, but one has to think that, if he was writing about himself, he got this one wrong:
Since I didn't know him personally, I'll have to take Winwood and Crowell at their word when they use terms like "gentleman", and "solid dude." Like many, I admired Petty for his talent, his commitment to his craft, and his integrity as a musician and performer.
Several months after his passing, information regarding his death was made public. Originally reported as a heart attack, the coroner's report indicated Petty died of an accidental overdose of pain medication. Petty's family revealed he suffered from emphysema, knee problems, and a hip fracture. Pain medication helped him through the final part of his last tour, and a fan video at the last concert (the Hollywood Bowl in September 2017), shows Petty limping off stage after the final number.
Petty's words in the song, 'Here Comes My Girl' may or may not have been autobiographical, but one has to think that, if he was writing about himself, he got this one wrong:
"Every
now and then, I get down to the end of a day,
I'll have to
stop, ask myself, "What've I done?"
It just
seems so useless to have to work so hard,
And nothin'
ever really seem to come from it."
For sure, what Tom Petty did wasn't useless. He refused to "back down", and obviously, he learned to fly in a long, productive, spectacular career. A lot came from it, as those who love his music will surely agree.
For sure, what Tom Petty did wasn't useless. He refused to "back down", and obviously, he learned to fly in a long, productive, spectacular career. A lot came from it, as those who love his music will surely agree.
October 7, 2017, at a Florida Gators football game, the crowd reacted to a Petty video on the big screen by singing along. Video courtesy SEC Country Facebook page.
Larry Manch is an author, teacher, guitar player, freelance writer, and columnist.
His books include: 'Twisted Logic: 50 Edgy Flash Fiction
Stories', 'The Toughest Hundred Dollars & Other
Rock & Roll Stories', 'A Sports Junkie', 'The Avery Appointment', 'Between the Fuzzy Parts'. His books are available in paperback and
e-book.
He also writes about
sports for Season Tickets, food and travel on Miles & Meals, and music/guitars on The
Backbeat.
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