The Story of Tom Petty

Tom Petty has one of the most popular and recognizable song catalogs and a legion of fans of all ages. Hear how Tom climbed his way to the top despite a difficult childhood, a series of heartbreaking music failures, and even a lawsuit that ended up changing the entire music industry forever.  In this episode: 

• How Tom overcame a difficult childhood in Florida 
• How Tom participated in events as a teenager with Lynryd Skynryd and the Allman Brothers
• The details behind the groundbreaking Petty lawsuit that changed the music industry forever 
• Why Tom was chosen by Bob Dylan & George Harrison into a supergroup
• How Tom's relationship with Stevie Nicks turned into a successful music formula 
• The interesting second career as a cartoon voice on a popular show 
• The details behind Tom's battle with a heroin addiction

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Guest Bio - Warren Zanes

Warren is the author of Petty: The Biography, a New York Times bestseller. He is also an Oscar-winning and Grammy-nominated producer of music documentaries. Earlier in his career, Warren was a member of the Del Fuegos rock band, recording three albums with Warner Brothers. The band served as an opening act for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on a few tours.

After his time in music, Warren earned a PhD in Visual and Cultural Studies and now teaches at NYU. He has also served as Vice President of Education at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was a producer on the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, which explores the lives of backup singers. His book on Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album is the basis for an upcoming biopic starring Jeremy Allen White, where Warren also serves as a producer.