Tom Petty

Tom Petty -- Singer/Songwriter

Born Thomas Earl Petty, on October 20, 1953 in Gainesville, Florida, he began his recording career as "Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers[?]" when they broke onto the national music scene with their 1976 self-titled debut album.

In 1989, Tom Petty released his debut solo album, "Full Moon Fever", produced by Jeff Lynne (his partner in the Travelling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Roy Orbison) with Mike Campbell.

Petty earned a Grammy Award in 1989 for Best Rock Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocal for his work with the Travelling Wilburys. His "Full Moon Fever" was in the Billboard Top Ten chart for over 34 weeks and earned triple-platinum status, along the way spawning such hits as "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin'" and "Runnin' Down A Dream."

He also has been honored with 10 nominations since 1981 when he received his first nomination for his song "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" in the category of Best Rock Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocal. As a songwriter, Tom Petty was acknowledged in May 1996 with the prestigious Golden Note Award[?] from ASCAP.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7018 Hollywood Blvd.