S.O.D. "You Don't Know How it Feels" by Tom Petty

10/14/2017      This passing defines the term unexpected, and, as his band might say, heartbreaking.  Petty's influences that persuaded him to make music his calling were the Beatles, Rolling Stones (which he referred to as punk music), and Elvis Presley who he met at age 10. Growing up in Gainesville, Florida, one of his neighbors was Don Felder, who became his first guitar teacher.  

     After his first band Mudcrutch parted ways, he took two of the members with him and formed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976. This is when Petty wrote most of his hits.  68 singles are to his credit including his solo career. 43 of these made the top 40, 28 in the top 10, 22 in the top 5, and 10 #1 tunes.  One of the most successful artists of all time, he sold over 80 million records worldwide, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.  

     From 1988 to 1991 he was a member of the iconic group, the Traveling Wilburys with bandmates Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynn.  Only Lynn and Dylan are with us.  

     We could go on and on about records and awards so let's not. Just go ahead and listen to his music and check out "Runnin' Down a Dream," his documentary film by film director, Peter Bogdanovich.  Petty was one of the greatest songwriters of our time.  Farewell Tom, the entire world will miss you.