Tom Petty's greatest ballads

Tom Petty's greatest ballads

We take a look back at some of Tom Petty's greatest ballads following his passing.

Tom Petty
Blooperman

Tom Petty's passing has left music lovers in shock, but memories of his lengthy career will live on for eternity. 

The 66-year-old was rushed to hospital on Monday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Malibu home in California. 

He later died surrounded by his friends and family. 

Born Thomas Earl Petty, the rock 'n roll legend was not only a singer, but a songwriter, record producer, and played multiple instruments. 

He also tried his hand at acting, and made an appearance in the Kevin Costner movie, 'The Postman'. 

As a solo artist, and lead vocalist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Tom sold over 80-million records across the globe. 

During his nearly 50-year long music career, he released a number of hit singles. 

Here's a look at some of his top ballads. 

Echo (1999)

This emotional ballad addressed Tom's divorce from his wife Jane. He sang on the track: 

Well, I woke up right here
In a pool of sweat
With a box of pills and you
Yeah, and I'm gonna keep my head
I'm gonna keep my cool
Oh, I'm so in love with you
Yes and in another world nothing was like this
There may have been a girl
There never was a kiss

The Wild One, Forever (1976)

This Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers song was one of his first big ballads, and many consider it his most heartbreaking. 

Yeah they call you the wild one
Said stay away from her
Said she couldn't love no one if she tried
But then somethin' I saw in your eyes
Told me right away
That you were gonna have to be mine

Ballad of the Easy Rider (1987)

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers covered this classic during a live performance in 1987. The band dedicated their performance to River Phoenix. The song was originally written by Roger McGuinn for the 1969 movie, 'Easy Rider'.  

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