Today is Tom Petty’s 75th birthday. I’ve been celebrating / remembering this American Rock and Roll icon all weekend by posting some of my thoughts and some of his songs. These are not my favorite Tom Petty songs of all time; these are songs that I believe capture the essence of what I love so much about his writing and singing. Tom and the Heartbreakers are not my all-time favorite band; I still claim Van Halen as my number one and Aerosmith a very close second. But I would never call Tom Petty a third. He holds a special place that defies those kinds of rankings.

Here’s the deal with Tom Petty and me. He has been my constant musical companion since my Junior High days until this very moment because he kept writing. He kept working. As Tom aged and matured, he kept writing and singing and recording the songs, and the songs kept growing and maturing along with me. His music kept speaking to me, reflecting me, giving voice to my heart and my thoughts in my current present right now context.

Some of my favorite music from some of my favorite bands is only really relevant to the ‘80s. And who I was in the ‘80s. It’s great. I still love it. But I’m not that guy anymore. That’s why Tom’s in a different place with me.

Tom Petty didn’t dwell in the past. Or try to keep re-creating the past. None of us can; none of us should.

The albums “Wildflowers” and “Into the Great Wide Open” would never contain songs like “Anything that’s Rock and Roll” or “Rockin’ Around with You.” His last several albums are packed with wistful and reflective songs, lyrics that speak to regret, mistakes made, broken promises, and a realistic or maybe even cynical view of the present. The lines from “Anything That’s Rock and Roll” are a whole lot different from the lines in “All You Can Carry.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. Every one of Tom’s albums contains a whole lot of what every one of his albums contains. You’re going to find some rebellion and some hard rock guitar riffs. And, yes, there’s plenty of cynicism, or realism, in those early records, too. The first lines of “American Girl” tell you right away that Tom Petty’s gonna call ‘em like he sees ‘em.

But his latest works over the past 30 years have grown up with me. Or I’ve grown up with them. It’s both. That might be the most meaningful, significant reason Tom’s music feels so different and special. At least, it does for me.

Please enjoy “Sins of My Youth” from Tom Petty’s last studio album, “Hypnotic Eye.”

Peace,
Allan