Tom Petty's Songs Live On: The American Treasure's Legacy

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Tom Petty performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, June 18, 1980. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

We'll never forget the late Tom Petty, whose songs were anthems (and pop hits) that spanned five decades. From the early days of "Breakdown," "American Girl" and "Don't Do Me Like That," to his later work with the Traveling Wilburys, Petty contributed music that still remains fresh. A Florida native, Petty was a fiercely independent artist who had no patience for recording-industry shenanigans. He was a man of many talents. Petty was a singer, songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist. He also dabbled in acting, making cameo appearances from time to time.