My memories of Tom Petty, the American songster with his casually genius rendering of the basics of livin’ — is filled with the acceptance that I’m flexible when it comes to crowded genres. Unlike most of my earliest influences — I discovered Petty after arriving in the States in the early nineties — to pursue my college education.
The first introduction was via a music video on MTV that depicted a young Johnny Depp — going through the motions of a Hollywood star who learns the consequences of falling Into The Great Wide Open. Yep! MTV used to actually showcase musicians, in their element, against the backdrop of fans or crew depending on the inspiration.
I honest to God still remember the delicious chill of Petty’s voice giving the melody permission to welcome my imitation into the folklore of America.
That was the hit of ’91 — and then I backtracked to the Heartbreaker days and stayed the course as others followed, including favorites — I Won’t Back Down and Learning to Fly. Also, Don’t Come Around Here No More and You Don’t Know How It Feels made great impressions.
