Loss of a Legend

Google.com defines a legend as being “ very well known.” Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017 in Santa Monica, California of unknown causes. People around the world are grieving over his death, simply because people have recognized how great of a musician Petty was. He has made such a difference in this world that and his legacy will live on forever.

When Tom Petty released his first solo album, he found himself enjoying himself more. As he worked his way through his music career, Petty was faced with many events that challenged his beliefs. Petty’s values kept his music alive and his love for his fans true. In 1981, Petty told The New York Times “A lot of fans have been with us for a long time and I think they trust us.” Fan support is one of the things that kept Tom Petty going through all of the hard times in life.

As life went on, society and music changed greatly. Artists who were the hits of the century before were forgotten as new genres of music were introduced. Although all of these changes were taking place, Tom Petty’s crowd remained loyal. He told Esquire that “what’s changed these days is that the man who approaches me on the street is more or less thanking me for a body of work - the soundtrack to his life, as a lot of them say - and that’s a wonderful feeling. It’s all an artist can ask.”

Although the passing of Tom Petty was a tragedy, the world will carry on. His grateful personality and his soulful music has made an impactful change for the world. He saw the good and the bad in the world, yet he continued to keep his head up. Tom Petty said “music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There’s not some trick involved with it. It’s pure and it’s real.” Rest in peace Mr. Petty.