Tom Petty has been looked at as one of the best singer/songwriters of all time. Many would be surprised to hear that he has passed away. On Monday, October 2, 2017, Petty suffered a cardiac arrest. He was 66 years old. Thankfully he died peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. Tom Petty has made a powerful influence in the music world and has earned the respect of many people.

Petty was born in Gainesville, Florida on October 20, 1950. His passion for rock and roll began when he was 10 years old, when he met Elvis Presley. He started a band called the Epics but later was called Mudcrutch. His music went unnoticed by a mainstream audience. After they split up, Petty ,and some former band members, formed a band called the Heartbreakers. Their first hit was called Breakdown, which immediately gained notice, after reaching number 40 on the charts. Two of their biggest hits ever were I Won’t Back Down, and Free Fallin. After the Heartbreakers, Petty performed a solo career. He produced songs called American Girl and Don’t Do Me Like That. He later stopped playing as much as he got older.

Tom Petty will forever be known as one of the greats. His music and personality will forever leave a mark on people. Petty told CNN in 2007, “Music, as far as I have seen in the world so far, is the only real magic that I know,” he said. “There is something really honest and clean and pure and it touches you in your heart.” This shows the love and passion that he showed for what he did, and it certainly showed.