Tom Petty's Songwriting Heroes: Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson
Tom Petty, a legendary songwriter with a career spanning over four decades, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his iconic tracks. Known for his exceptional songwriting skills, Petty held a few predecessors in high regard for their unparalleled craft in the realm of songwriting. His discography includes timeless classics like 'American Girl' and 'Free Fallin'', solidifying his status as one of America's most enduring and best-selling artists.
Throughout his illustrious career, Petty had the opportunity to collaborate with some of his songwriting heroes, notably during his time with The Traveling Wilburys, where he worked alongside the likes of Bob Dylan. Petty expressed his initial intimidation at performing with Dylan, acknowledging him as the greatest writer who ever lived. Despite his apprehension, Petty found his footing and embraced the experience of working with his idol.
Bob Dylan's influence on Petty's songwriting cannot be overstated, as Dylan's genius output has shaped the landscape of songwriting since the 1970s. Petty, who came of age during Dylan's emergence in the mid-1960s, was deeply impacted by the folk hero's work, which undoubtedly influenced his own songwriting style.
In addition to Bob Dylan, another songwriting hero who left a lasting impression on Tom Petty was Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Petty admired Wilson's groundbreaking work on the album 'Pet Sounds', which revolutionized pop music in 1966. Wilson's artistic risk-taking and innovative approach to music resonated with Petty, solidifying Wilson's status as one of the greatest songwriters in Petty's eyes.
While Petty himself is considered a songwriting great, he humbly acknowledges the immense influence of Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson on the music industry. These iconic songwriters have shaped the very fabric of music history, paving the way for artists like Petty to thrive and leave their mark on the world of songwriting.