On October 2nd, 2017 the music world was shocked as the music legend, Tom Petty, passed away in the UCLA Medical Center. Tom Petty was just 66 years young and still had more music coming. With hits like “Free Fallin’”, “American Girl”, and “I Won’t Back Down”, to name of few, solidified his career at a height that many artist today are not able to match. Petty first rose to fame with his band Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

Together they produced hits like “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” “Refugee, and “Breakdown.” He would soon also find fame in a solo career that also treated him quite well. He is important to the music world as he made history by winning in a legal battle with his record company.

This all started over a dollar which has ironically changed the music industry for the best. What Petty did was declare bankruptcy, which was a bold move as it was a huge reason to why he won the legal battle. Overall, Petty was an outstanding artist and one of the last legends of rock.

“Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent. As far as I’m concerned, that’s success,” said Tom Petty in an interview by Esquire in October 2017.

The Rock World will not be the same.  Rest in peace Tom Petty.