Tom Petty, legendary rock star and leader of the Heartbreakers, truly dud break thousands of hearts when word came today when he died of cardiac arrest. Petty and The Heartbreakers had just completed their summer tour a week ago, celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band.
In the excellent obituary at The Coastal Courier, Bob Dylan is quoted:
“It’s shocking, crushing news,” legendary songwriter Bob Dylan, a close Petty friend and colleague, told Rolling Stone magazine. “I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”
Whenever a performer dies, it tears the hearts of those who have grown up with heir music or who have loved it deeply. Petty may be gone, but we will always remember him through his songs like “The Waiting,” “You Got Lucky,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Learning to Fly” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” Some of us will also remember him as part of the Travelin’ Wilburys. When you see George and Roy, say hello for us, Tom.
Eye on the Blues- Roots and Branches 