Tom Petty, the legendary musician and songwriter, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his timeless hits and collaborations. While he is widely recognized for his work with The Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, Petty's creative influence extended far beyond his own projects. This article delves into some of the lesser-known songs that Petty wrote for other artists, showcasing his versatility and impact on the music world.
One of the most notable collaborations is with Stevie Nicks, a fellow icon of the music industry. Nicks, who was a fan of Petty's music, approached him for a song for her debut solo album, Bella Donna. Petty wrote and offered her the song "Insider," but Nicks ended up recording another song he wrote for her, "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around." This duet became a hit and solidified a lifelong friendship between the two musicians.
Petty's songwriting talents also found their way into the hands of George Harrison. Harrison wrote the music for the song "Cheer Down," which he co-produced with Jeff Lynne. Petty was enlisted to finish the lyrics, and the song was featured on the soundtrack of the film Lethal Weapon 2. The track stands out for its clever lyrics, offering a refreshing contrast to the typical "cheer up!" songs of pop music.
Roy Orbison, another member of the Traveling Wilburys, collaborated with Petty on the song "You Got It." This collaboration resulted in a top-10 hit single for Orbison, marking his first since 1964's "(Oh) Pretty Woman." Orbison's posthumous album, Mystery Girl, featured this track, which was also co-written by Jeff Lynne.
Bob Dylan, a legendary songwriter himself, collaborated with Petty on the song "Got My Mind Made Up." This collaboration appeared on Dylan's album Knocked Out Loaded, which may not be one of his most highly regarded works. However, the song showcases the creative synergy between the two musical giants.
Petty's songwriting skills also extended to Jeff Lynne, with whom he produced the album Full Moon Fever. The song "Blown Away" is a collaboration between the two, though it was released on Lynne's solo album, Armchair Theater. This showcases Petty's ability to work with and enhance the talents of other artists.
Rod Stewart received the song "Leave Virginia Alone" from Petty, which was originally intended for Petty's album Wildflowers. Stewart featured the song on his own album, A Spanner In the Works. Petty's version of the song was eventually released posthumously on the 2020 album Wildflowers & All The Rest.
Petty's influence also extended to Roger McGuinn, a member of The Byrds. The two collaborated on the song "King of the Hill," which was featured on McGuinn's solo album Back From Rio. Despite not being a major hit, the song is an enduring testament to the artistic synergy between Petty and McGuinn.
In the latter half of his career, Petty's songs started to be used in films. He even composed the background music for the film She's the One. One of these songs, "Never Be You," was initially intended for Rosanne Cash but was eventually recorded by Maria McKee for the film Streets of Fire. Cash also recorded her own version of the song, further showcasing Petty's impact on the music industry.
Tom Petty's songwriting prowess and collaborative spirit left an indelible mark on the music world. His ability to work with and enhance the talents of other artists is a testament to his genius. As we reflect on his legacy, it is clear that Petty's influence will continue to resonate through the music of future generations.
