Question 1

Did Tom Petty write his own songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tom Petty wrote or co-wrote about 98% of his catalogue, an unusually high rate for a rock star of his scale. He wrote many songs alone, like 'American Girl,' and co-wrote others with Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell, such as 'Refugee.' Jeff Lynne co-wrote and produced his Full Moon Fever hits 'Free Fallin'' and 'I Won't Back Down.'

Question 2

Who wrote 'Free Fallin''?

Accepted Answer

'Free Fallin'' was co-written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne for Petty's solo debut Full Moon Fever (1989). Lynne produced the album, and the song became one of Petty's most beloved and most covered.

Question 3

Who wrote 'Refugee'?

Accepted Answer

'Refugee,' from Damn the Torpedoes (1979), was co-written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell. Campbell wrote the music and Petty the lyrics, a partnership that produced many of the band's classics.

Question 4

Who wrote 'Mary Jane's Last Dance'?

Accepted Answer

'Mary Jane's Last Dance' (1993) was written by Tom Petty and recorded with the Heartbreakers for his Greatest Hits collection. It became one of his signature songs even though it did not appear on a standard studio album.

Question 5

How many albums did Tom Petty release?

Accepted Answer

This catalogue covers his studio albums with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, from the 1976 debut Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers through Hypnotic Eye (2014), including Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers.

Question 6

When did Tom Petty die?

Accepted Answer

Tom Petty died on October 2, 2017, at age 66, from an accidental drug overdose shortly after finishing a 40th-anniversary tour. His death was mourned across the music world.

Question 7

What were the Traveling Wilburys?

Accepted Answer

The Traveling Wilburys were a supergroup Petty co-founded in 1988 with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. The all-star lineup wrote and recorded together, and Petty contributed songs and vocals.

Question 8

Was Tom Petty in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, recognising decades of hits built largely on Petty's own songwriting.

Question 9

What genre is Tom Petty?

Accepted Answer

Tom Petty played rock, heartland rock, and folk rock, writing plainspoken, melodic songs about freedom and heartbreak like 'American Girl,' 'Refugee,' and 'Learning to Fly.'