Is Tom Petty Still Alive? Who was Tom Petty?
by Kavitha
Updated Feb 29, 2024
Who was Tom Petty?
Tom Petty was a famous American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was born on October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida, and passed away on October 2, 2017, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 66. Petty was best known as the leader of the rock bands Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch. He was also part of the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup from the late 1980s.
Throughout his career, Petty sold more than 80 million albums. He had many hit singles with the Heartbreakers, including "American Girl," "Don't Do Me Like That," "Refugee," "The Waiting," "Don't Come Around Here No More," and "Learning to Fly." As a solo artist, he also had popular songs like "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin'," and "You Don't Know How It Feels."
In 2002, Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his contributions to music and philanthropy when he was named MusiCares Person of the Year in February 2017.
Besides music, Petty also acted, voicing the character Lucky Kleinschmidt in the animated comedy series King of the Hill from 2004 to 2009. Sadly, Petty passed away from an accidental drug overdose in 2017, just one week after the Heartbreakers finished their 40th Anniversary Tour.
Full Name
Tom Petty
Birth Date
October 20, 1950
Place of Birth
Gainesville, Florida, U.S.
Death Date
October 2, 2017
Age at Death
66 years
Occupation
Musician, Singer, Songwriter
Net Worth
$95 million (at the time of his death)
Is Tom Petty Still Alive?
No, Tom Petty is not alive. He passed away on October 2, 2017. His wife discovered him unresponsive at their home, and despite resuscitation attempts and being taken to the UCLA Medical Center, he did not survive. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that his death resulted from a combination of drugs, leading to organ failure.
Petty had been dealing with various medical issues, including a fractured hip, for which he was prescribed medication. His widow, Dana, revealed that he had postponed recommended hip surgery, intending to complete his final tour first. Petty's unexpected death came as a shock to many, as he had been in good spirits and looking forward to upcoming shows just before his passing.
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Tom Petty Age
Tom Petty was born on October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida, USA. He tragically passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66, in Santa Monica, California. Throughout his life, Petty achieved great success as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, leading iconic bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch.
He also played a significant role in the supergroup, the Traveling Wilburys. Petty's contributions to rock music left an indelible mark on the industry, and his untimely death was mourned by fans worldwide. Despite his passing, his music continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come.
Tom Petty Career
Tom Petty was a very famous singer, songwriter, and guitarist from America. He started his career in music in the late 1960s and became well-known for leading bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch. In the late 1980s, he joined a supergroup called the Traveling Wilburys along with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.
One of their famous songs, "Handle with Care," was so good that they decided to make a whole album together. Tom Petty's solo career was also a big success. His album "Full Moon Fever" in 1989 had hits like "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin'." He kept making great music with the Heartbreakers too, releasing albums like "Into the Great Wide Open" in 1991.
Even when he wasn't with the Heartbreakers, Petty made amazing music. He released solo albums like "Wildflowers" in 1994 and "Highway Companion" in 2006. He also worked on soundtracks for movies like "She's the One" in 1996.
Apart from music, Petty also acted in some films and TV shows. He appeared in shows like "It's Garry Shandling's Show" and "King of the Hill," where he voiced a character. He even had a small part in movies like "The Postman" and appeared in an episode of "The Simpsons."
Tom Petty was a true legend in the world of music and entertainment. He continued making music and performing live until his last days, leaving behind a legacy that will always be remembered.
Tom Petty Tribute Album
Several country music stars, including Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, and Chris Stapleton, are joining forces for a special tribute album honoring the legendary musician Tom Petty. Titled "Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty," the album is slated for release on May 31.
Featuring 20 tracks, it will showcase modern covers of Petty's iconic songs performed by some of the biggest names in the country music genre. The album's first track, Dierks Bentley's rendition of "American Girl," was released on February 23, setting the stage for what promises to be a heartfelt homage to Petty's timeless music.
Other tracks on the album include Chris Stapleton's "I Should Have Known It," Thomas Rhett's "Wildflowers," and Dolly Parton's rendition of "Southern Accents." With such a stellar lineup paying tribute to Petty's enduring legacy, fans can anticipate a truly remarkable musical experience.
Tom Petty Net Worth
Tom Petty, the renowned American musician, singer, and songwriter, had amassed a net worth of $95 million by the time of his passing. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over four decades, Petty's popularity remained steadfast, evident in the consistent sell-out of his concerts. His musical repertoire boasted numerous chart-topping hits, contributing to the sale of over 80 million albums worldwide.
Notably, Petty found success both as a solo artist and as part of iconic bands such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Traveling Wilburys, and Mudcrutch. Despite his immense wealth and fame, Petty's life was tragically cut short on October 2, 2017, following an accidental drug overdose that led to cardiac arrest. While his untimely death saddened fans worldwide, his legacy as a music legend endures, solidifying his place among the most influential figures in rock history.
Is Tom Petty Still Alive - FAQs
Tom Petty was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for leading bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch.
Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017.
Tom Petty had a net worth of $95 million at the time of his death.
The tribute album is titled "Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty."
Country music stars contributing to the tribute album include Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, and Chris Stapleton.