It is with a heavy heart this article is being written to mourn the passing of an American legend. The end of an era is upon us, and it is catalyzed by the death of rock musician Thomas Earl Petty. At 8:43 p.m. on Oct. 2 in Santa Monica, California, Petty was pronounced dead following a cardiac arrest, leaving spirits crushed and hearts shattered around the nation.
Pettys musical career began at the age of 10 after he had an encounter with his idol, Elvis Presley, and decided to chase his dreams of becoming a rock star. Starstruck and eager, he learned from the best, including lead guitarist of the Eagles, Don Felder.
His career skyrocketed when he became lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, going on to the Traveling Wilburys and finally taking off into a solo career. The late rocker also dabbled in the art of acting as well, appearing in films like The Postman in 1997 and making cameos in TV series such as The Simpsons and King of the Hill.
For 40 years, Petty flooded the ears and souls of many with his rock and roll music, writing hits such as Wildflower, Free Fallin and American Girl. Pettys music impacted the lives of millions and planted seeds in the homes of over 80 million people. His success landed him the honor of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after being labeled as one of the best-selling artists of all time in 2002.
Not only will his mark forever be printed in the Hall of Fame, but he will also be remembered for his impact on the MTV-era. When music videos were first introduced to the world, Pettys well-established, rugged Americana brand, made a name for rock and roll in the music video industry. By introducing the art of storytelling in music videos, he broke ground for musicians.
Being one of the most well known rock and roll artists of his era, Petty performed for over four decades. He completed his 40th Anniversary tour on Sept. 25, but no one imagined it would be his last.
When I first found out about his death, I found out twice, and it was an emotional roller coaster, junior creative writing major Tessa Rasmussen said. I was really upset. I cried and felt a lot of regret because I was supposed to see him at Summerfest and missed my opportunity.
Although many fans feel that Tom Petty was taken from the world too soon, he surely has left us with a lot to remember him by, from his impact on the music industry, to his cameos on TV and his unforgettable voice in general.
He was an artist that had such a huge impact on so many people, and now I wont have the chance to see him, Rasmussen said. It broke my heart. Its upsetting that someone who still had so much time was taken so soon.
Though millions will surely miss him, his impact wont be forgotten. I know Ill still be jamming to Petty in 20 years when Im carpooling my kids to soccer practice.
