Who Is Tom Petty’s Father?

Tom Petty is an internationally known musician who has written such great tunes as “Free Fallin’”, “Runnin’ Down a Dream” and “Won’t Back Down”. He’s also performed just about everywhere, including at the Super Bowl’s halftime show! With all the success that Tom Petty has achieved, it’s only normal to wonder, who is Tom Petty’s father?

Tom Petty’s dad, Earl, was a Florida-based insurance salesman who has had a very rocky relationship the famous singer over the years. Although Earl bought young Tom his first guitar (from Sears and Roebuck, no less!), he was not very supportive of his sensitive son’s dreams to be a rocker. He was frequently abusive, and didn’t agree with Tom’s decision to go to California in an attempt to make his dream happen.

Tom’s uncle, however, was more instrumental. He brought Tom to the set of Follow That Dream, where he saw Elvis in action and instantly became a big fan. That day, along with seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, convinced the boy that he would one day be in a rock band, strumming his guitar just like Presley and the Beatles.

Although Tom’s relationship with his dad has been far less than perfect, Tom hasn’t let it get him down. He’s focused on using his past to help him write even better songs, and has tried to use it to become a better dad than Earl was.