Thomas Earl Petty was a prominent American musician known for his work as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He led the rock bands Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch, and was part of the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. Beyond his band work, he also found success as a solo artist.
October 20, 1950: Birth of Tom Petty
Thomas Earl Petty was born on October 20, 1950. This marks the beginning of his journey to becoming a prominent figure in the world of rock music.
1961: Meeting Elvis Presley
At the age of ten, a pivotal moment occurred in Tom Petty's life when he met Elvis Presley, sparking his initial interest in rock and roll music.
1968: Graduation from Gainesville High School
Tom Petty graduated from Gainesville High School in 1968, marking the completion of his secondary education.
1974: Petty's Marriage to Jane Benyo
Tom Petty married Jane Benyo in 1974. They went on to have two daughters together: Adria, who became a director, and Annakim, who pursued a career as an artist.
1975: Release of "Depot Street" by Mudcrutch
Mudcrutch, Tom Petty's band before the Heartbreakers, released their only single, "Depot Street," in 1975 under Shelter Records. Despite their local popularity, the single failed to gain widespread recognition.
1976: Release of "American Girl"
In 1976, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released "American Girl," a single that would later become one of their signature songs.
1977: Formation of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Following the disbandment of Mudcrutch, Tom Petty formed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1977, marking the start of a legendary partnership that would go on to define his musical career.
1978: Cameo Appearance in "FM"
In 1978, Tom Petty made his first foray into film with a cameo appearance in the movie "FM," marking the beginning of his occasional ventures into the world of acting.
1978: Beginnings of Live Recordings
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers began recording their live performances, documenting their energetic shows and capturing their musical evolution on stage.
May 1979: Petty's Legal Dispute and Bankruptcy Filing
In May 1979, Tom Petty became embroiled in a legal battle when ABC Records, his label, was sold to MCA Records. Refusing to be transferred without consent, he filed for bankruptcy and subsequently signed with Backstreet Records, a new MCA subsidiary.
September 1979: Performance at Musicians United for Safe Energy Concert
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers took part in the Musicians United for Safe Energy concert at Madison Square Garden in September 1979, showcasing their support for the anti-nuclear movement.
1979: Release of "Don't Do Me Like That"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released "Don't Do Me Like That" in 1979, further solidifying their presence in the rock music scene.
1980: Release of "Refugee"
"Refugee," released in 1980, added to the growing list of hits by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
1981: Release of "The Waiting"
1981 saw the release of "The Waiting," another successful single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
1981: Petty's Protest Against "Superstar Pricing"
In 1981, Tom Petty publicly opposed MCA Records' attempt to charge a higher price for his album "Hard Promises." This stance against what was dubbed "superstar pricing" resonated with music fans and ultimately led MCA to reconsider their decision.
1981: Release of "Hard Promises"
The release of "Hard Promises" in 1981 brought Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers continued success, with the album reaching the top ten and achieving platinum status, fueled by the hit single "The Waiting."
1982: Recording of "Long After Dark" Sessions
During the sessions for their album "Long After Dark" in 1982, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers recorded a collection of songs, including the track "Keep A Little Soul," which would later resurface in 2018.
1982: Howie Epstein Joins the Heartbreakers
Howie Epstein joined the Heartbreakers as the new bass player in 1982, replacing Ron Blair. Epstein's tenure with the band lasted until 1994.
1985: Performance at Live Aid
In a memorable performance, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers took the stage at Live Aid in 1985, playing four songs for a massive crowd at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.
1985: Release of "Southern Accents" and Tour with Bob Dylan
The year 1985 saw the release of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' album "Southern Accents," featuring the hit single "Don't Come Around Here No More." Following the album's release, the band embarked on a tour, which led to a significant opportunity - an invitation to join Bob Dylan on his "True Confessions" tour.
1985: Release of "Don't Come Around Here No More"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released "Don't Come Around Here No More" in 1985, a song notable for its unique music video.
1986: Performances with the Grateful Dead
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers shared the stage with the Grateful Dead for a series of performances in 1986, marking a collaboration between two prominent forces in rock music.
May 17, 1987: Fire at Petty's Encino Home
On May 17, 1987, a fire, later determined to be arson, broke out at Tom Petty's residence in Encino, California. While firefighters managed to save the basement recording studio and the master tapes within, along with his Gibson Dove acoustic guitar, his trademark gray top hat was destroyed. The arsonist was never apprehended.
1987: Release of "Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released the album "Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)" in 1987, featuring the single "Jammin' Me," a song co-written with Bob Dylan.
1987: Petty's Lawsuit Against B.F. Goodrich
Tom Petty took legal action against tire manufacturer B.F. Goodrich in 1987, alleging that they had used music in a commercial that was strikingly similar to his song "Mary's New Car." The case was settled out of court.
1987: Role in "Made in Heaven" and Appearances on "It's Garry Shandling's Show"
Petty continued his acting endeavors with a small role in the 1987 film "Made in Heaven." He also appeared in several episodes of the television show "It's Garry Shandling's Show" between 1987 and 1990, playing a fictionalized version of himself as one of Garry Shandling's neighbors.
1988: Formation of the Traveling Wilburys
A supergroup was born in 1988 with the formation of the Traveling Wilburys, consisting of Tom Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. Their debut album, "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1," showcased the collective talent of these music icons.
1989: Release of "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin'"
1989 was a significant year for Tom Petty's solo career, marked by the release of the hit singles "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin'."
1989: Signing with Warner Bros. Records
In 1989, while still under contract with MCA, Tom Petty made a significant career move by secretly signing a deal with Warner Bros. Records, the same label as the Traveling Wilburys.
1989: Release of "Full Moon Fever"
Tom Petty released his first official solo album, "Full Moon Fever," in 1989, although the project featured contributions from Heartbreakers members and other notable musicians. The album was a commercial triumph, solidifying Petty's successful solo career.
1990: Release of "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3"
The Traveling Wilburys, without the late Roy Orbison, released their second album, "Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3," in 1990, continuing their legacy of creating memorable music.
1990: Guest Appearance on "The Larry Sanders Show"
Tom Petty made a memorable guest appearance on "The Larry Sanders Show" in 1990. The episode humorously depicted him being bumped from the show's lineup, leading to a near-confrontation with fellow guest Greg Kinnear.
1991: Release of "Learning to Fly"
"Learning to Fly" was released by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1991, marking another hit in their extensive discography.
1991: Introduction of Nielsen SoundScan
The music industry experienced a significant change in 1991 with the introduction of the Nielsen SoundScan system, a new method for tracking album sales that revolutionized how chart success was measured.
1991: Release of "Into the Great Wide Open"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers reunited in 1991 for the release of "Into the Great Wide Open." The album, co-produced by Jeff Lynne, featured the hit singles "Learning To Fly" and the title track, which boasted a memorable music video starring Johnny Depp and Faye Dunaway.
1994: Release of "Wildflowers"
Tom Petty released "Wildflowers," his second solo album, in 1994. The album, produced by Rick Rubin, was a commercial success, selling over three million copies in the US and featuring popular tracks like the title track, "You Don't Know How It Feels," "You Wreck Me," "It's Good to Be King," and "A Higher Place."
1994: Release of "You Don't Know How It Feels"
In 1994, Tom Petty released the single "You Don't Know How It Feels," adding to his string of successful solo releases.
1994: Howie Epstein Leaves the Heartbreakers
After over a decade with the Heartbreakers, Howie Epstein departed from the band in 1994, marking a change in their lineup.
April 1996: George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement
In April 1996, Petty received UCLA's George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement.
1996: Petty's Divorce from Jane Benyo
After over two decades of marriage, Tom Petty and Jane Benyo divorced in 1996.
1996: Release of "She's the One" Soundtrack and Collaboration with Johnny Cash
The year 1996 saw Petty and the Heartbreakers release a soundtrack for the film "She's the One," featuring singles like "Walls (Circus)" and "Change the Locks." Notably, they collaborated with Johnny Cash on his album "Unchained," contributing to its Grammy win for Best Country Album.
1997: Petty's Appearance in "The Postman"
In 1997, Tom Petty appeared in the film "The Postman," directed by and starring Kevin Costner, playing the role of the Bridge City Mayor.
1999: Release of "Echo"
In 1999, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released "Echo," their final album produced by Rick Rubin. The album, featuring singles like "Room at the Top" and "Free Girl Now," peaked at number 10 on the US album charts.
1999: Hollywood Walk of Fame
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999 for their contribution to the recording industry.
1999: Petty Overcomes Heroin Addiction
Tom Petty struggled with heroin addiction following his divorce from Jane Benyo in 1999, attributing it to the emotional toll of the separation. He successfully overcame his addiction after undergoing rehabilitation, crediting his then-girlfriend Dana York with playing a pivotal role in his recovery.
2000: Petty Blocks Bush Campaign Song
Tom Petty refused to allow George W. Bush's presidential campaign to use his song "I Won't Back Down" in 2000.
June 3, 2001: Petty's Marriage to Dana York
Tom Petty married Dana York in Las Vegas on June 3, 2001. They had a second wedding ceremony at their Malibu home on June 21.
September 11, 2001: Performance at America: A Tribute to Heroes
In a show of solidarity following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed their hit song "I Won't Back Down" at the benefit concert "America: A Tribute to Heroes."
December 2001: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In December 2001, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2002: Petty's Guest Appearance on "The Simpsons"
Tom Petty made a guest appearance on "The Simpsons" in 2002, in the episode "How I Spent My Strummer Vacation." He appeared alongside other musicians like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, humorously portraying himself as a music tutor for Homer Simpson.
2002: Release of "The Last DJ"
Petty's 2002 album, "The Last DJ," was a notable departure, featuring songs that offered a critique of the music industry. The title track, a commentary on the changing landscape of radio, resonated with many and the album reached number nine on the Billboard 200 chart.
2002: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
A testament to their enduring legacy, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
2003: Performing Traveling Wilburys Songs Live
Tom Petty began incorporating songs by the Traveling Wilburys into his live shows in 2003, keeping the spirit of the supergroup alive for fans.
2004: Petty's Voice Acting in "King of the Hill"
Beginning in 2004, Tom Petty lent his voice to the animated sitcom "King of the Hill," playing the recurring character of Elroy "Lucky" Kleinschmidt.
2004: Voice Acting Debut on "King of the Hill"
Tom Petty ventured into voice acting in 2004, taking on the recurring role of Lucky Kleinschmidt in the animated series "King of the Hill."
December 6, 2005: Billboard Century Award
Petty received the Billboard Century Award, the organization's highest honor for creative achievement on December 6, 2005.
2005: Launch of "Buried Treasure" on XM Satellite Radio
Expanding his reach beyond traditional music formats, Petty launched his own show, "Buried Treasure," on XM Satellite Radio in 2005, where he shared his personal musical tastes with listeners.
May 2006: Similarities Between "Dani California" and "Mary Jane's Last Dance"
Similarities between the Red Hot Chili Peppers' song "Dani California," released in May 2006, and Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's Last Dance" were noted. Petty acknowledged that rock songs often share similarities and did not pursue legal action.
July 2006: Release of "Highway Companion"
Petty's solo album "Highway Companion" debuted in July 2006, reaching an impressive number four on the Billboard 200, his highest chart position since 1991. The album included "Saving Grace," which briefly featured in the Heartbreakers' 2006 tour setlist.
July 2006: Tom Petty Exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Tom Petty was further honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an exhibit of his items from July 2006 until 2007.
September 2006: Keys to the City of Gainesville
In September 2006, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers received the keys to the city of Gainesville, Florida, where he and his bandmates either lived or grew up.
2006: Continuing to Perform Traveling Wilburys Songs
Tom Petty continued to perform Traveling Wilburys songs in his live sets in 2006, demonstrating the enduring impact of the supergroup.
2006: End of Live Recordings for "The Live Anthology"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concluded the live recordings that would later be compiled for their 2009 box set, "The Live Anthology," capturing their performances up to this point in their career.
2006: Headlining Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers celebrated their 30th anniversary with a headlining performance at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in 2006. The show featured a memorable guest appearance by Stevie Nicks.
2006: Reflecting on the Beatles' Influence
In 2006, Tom Petty spoke about the profound impact the Beatles had on his musical aspirations, recalling how their performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" inspired him to pursue a career in music.
October 2007: "Runnin' Down a Dream" Premieres
Peter Bogdanovich's documentary film on Petty's career titled "Runnin' Down a Dream" premiered at the New York Film Festival in October 2007.
2007: Contribution to "Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino"
In 2007, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers joined a musical tribute to Fats Domino, contributing a cover of "I'm Walkin'" to the album "Goin' Home." The album's proceeds supported music education in New Orleans and the rebuilding of the city following Hurricane Katrina.
2007: Reformation of Mudcrutch
Tom Petty revisited his musical roots in 2007 by reforming Mudcrutch, his pre-Heartbreakers band, with former bandmates Tom Leadon and Randall Marsh, joined by Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell.
2007: Tom Petty Exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concludes
Tom Petty's exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which began in July 2006, concluded in 2007.
February 3, 2008: Super Bowl XLII Halftime Show Performance
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers took center stage on February 3, 2008, performing a medley of their hits, including "American Girl," "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin," and "Runnin' Down a Dream," during the Super Bowl XLII halftime show.
April 29, 2008: Release of Mudcrutch Album
The reunited Mudcrutch released their debut album on April 29, 2008, featuring 14 new tracks. The band embarked on a short tour in California to support the release.
2008: Adding More Traveling Wilburys Songs to Set List
In 2008, Tom Petty expanded the Traveling Wilburys' presence in his live shows by adding more of their songs to his set list, delighting fans with these musical gems.
November 2009: Release of "The Live Anthology"
November 2009 marked the arrival of "The Live Anthology," a comprehensive boxed set showcasing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' live performances spanning from 1978 to 2006.
2009: End of "King of the Hill"
Tom Petty's run as the voice of Lucky Kleinschmidt on "King of the Hill" came to an end in 2009 with the conclusion of the series.
2009: End of Petty's Role in "King of the Hill"
Tom Petty's voice acting role in "King of the Hill" concluded in 2009.
April 2010: Guitar Theft and Recovery
In a stressful turn of events in April 2010, five guitars, including two owned by Petty, were stolen from the band's rehearsal space in Culver City, California. Fortunately, the Los Angeles police were able to recover the stolen instruments a week later.
May 17, 2010: Performance on Saturday Night Live
Continuing to promote their album "Mojo," Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers appeared as the musical guests on Saturday Night Live on May 17, 2010, showcasing their music to a wider audience.
June 15, 2010: Release of "Mojo"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' twelfth studio album, "Mojo," was released on June 15, 2010. The album, described by Petty as having a blues-based sound, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
2010: Petty's Cameo in "Great Day" Music Video
Tom Petty made a brief cameo appearance in the music video for "Great Day" by The Lonely Island in 2010.
2012: World Tour and First European Dates in 20 Years
Expanding their global reach, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers embarked on a world tour in 2012, which included their first European performances in two decades. The tour also marked their first-ever concerts in the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
July 28, 2014: Release of "Hypnotic Eye"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers reached a new milestone with the release of their thirteenth studio album, "Hypnotic Eye," on July 28, 2014. The album debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200, marking the first time the band achieved this feat.
2014: Petty Discusses Transcendental Meditation
In 2014, Tom Petty openly spoke about his practice of Transcendental Meditation and the benefits he derived from it.
January 2015: Royalty Agreement over "Stay with Me"
In January 2015, it was revealed that Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne would receive royalties from Sam Smith's "Stay with Me" due to acknowledged similarities with their song "I Won't Back Down." Petty clarified that he did not view it as plagiarism and that an agreement was reached amicably.
November 20, 2015: Launch of Tom Petty Radio on SiriusXM
November 20, 2015, saw the launch of Tom Petty Radio on SiriusXM, a dedicated channel celebrating Petty's music and influence. The channel further solidified his legacy in the world of rock and roll.
February 2017: MusiCares Person of the Year
In February 2017, Tom Petty received the prestigious MusiCares Person of the Year award, recognizing his contributions to music and his philanthropic efforts.
February 2017: MusiCares Person of the Year
Petty was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year in February 2017 for his contributions to music and for his philanthropy.
October 1, 2017: Petty Suffers Cardiac Arrest
On October 1, 2017, Tom Petty was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at his home by his wife, Dana York. He was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California, where he was placed on life support.
October 2, 2017: Death of Tom Petty
On October 2, 2017, Tom Petty passed away, marking the end of an era for rock and roll music.
October 16, 2017: Petty's Memorial Service
A memorial service for Tom Petty was held on October 16, 2017, at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles.
2017: Tom Petty's Passing
The music world mourned the loss of Tom Petty in 2017 when he passed away from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 66, shortly after completing a 40th Anniversary Tour with the Heartbreakers.
2017: 40th Anniversary Tour and Final Show
In 2017, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers commemorated their 40th anniversary with a special tour across the United States, kicking off in Oklahoma City on April 20 and concluding at the Hollywood Bowl on September 25. The Hollywood Bowl performance, marked by a final rendition of "American Girl," unknowingly became the Heartbreakers' last show together.
2017: Gainesville 34th Street Wall Tribute
A week after his death in 2017, a tribute to Petty was painted on Gainesville's Southwest 34th Street Wall. It reads "Love you always, Gainesville No. 1 Son, Thanks, Tommy".
January 19, 2018: Petty's Cause of Death Revealed
On January 19, 2018, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner announced that Tom Petty's death was an accidental overdose. The cause of death was determined to be "multisystem organ failure due to resuscitated cardiopulmonary arrest due to mixed drug toxicity."
July 2018: Release of "Keep A Little Soul"
Preceding the release of the "An American Treasure" box set, "Keep A Little Soul," a previously unreleased track from the 1982 "Long After Dark" sessions, was released as a single in July 2018, offering fans a glimpse into Petty's creative process.
September 23, 2018: Dana York Discusses Petty's Final Days
On September 23, 2018, Dana York, Tom Petty's widow, gave an interview to Billboard in which she revealed that Petty had been advised to undergo hip surgery but had delayed it. She shared that he considered his last tour a commitment to his crew and fans. Dana recounted that Petty was in good spirits in the days leading up to his death, proud of his performances and optimistic about the future.
September 28, 2018: Release of "An American Treasure"
Reprise Records released "An American Treasure" on September 28, 2018, a comprehensive 60-track box set celebrating Tom Petty's musical legacy. The collection featured unreleased recordings, alternate versions, rare tracks, live performances, and lesser-known songs, offering a deep dive into his career.
October 2018: Tom Petty Park
In October 2018, on what would have been the singer's 68th birthday, the city of Gainesville renamed the former Northeast Park, a park where a young Petty had often visited, as Tom Petty Park.
2020: Petty Estate Blocks Trump Campaign Song
Echoing Tom Petty's stance in 2000, his family prohibited the Donald Trump presidential campaign from using "I Won't Back Down" in 2020, asserting that Petty would not have wanted his music associated with a campaign promoting hatred.
December 2021: Honorary Ph.D. from the University of Florida
In December 2021, the University of Florida board of trustees unanimously voted to posthumously award Petty with an honorary Ph.D. from the school.
October 2022: University of Florida's Inaugural Tom Petty Day
In October 2022, the University of Florida's Pride of the Sunshine dedicated their halftime show to Tom Petty's music as part of the university's inaugural Tom Petty Day. The band would continue to tribute their performances to Tom Petty during halftime in several other games throughout the 2022-23 football season.
December 2023: "Love Is a Long Road" Featured in Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer
In December 2023, Petty's song "Love Is a Long Road" was used in the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI. Because of this immense bump in popularity, the song itself gained nearly 1 million YouTube views in the same time span, gained a 36,979% increase on Spotify, had almost 250,000 searches on Shazam, and ranked second on the worldwide iTunes chart.