It was today in 1976 that the former lead singer of Mudcrutch debuted his new band to the world with the release of his self titled debut album.
Featuring former Mudcrutch members Mike Campbell on guitar and Benmont Tench on keyboards, the band was completed with bassist Ron Blair and drummer Stan Lynch.
From it's modest success, Tom Petty built a career that would include worldwide album sales in excess of 80 million, a member of the Travelling Wilbury's, and Petty and the Heartbreakers would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Fiercely protective of his art, his name and his fans, Tom Petty would throughout his career champion the underdog, whilst telling the industry what they could do with their contracts and attitudes to musicians.
The biggest hit off the album was 'American Girl', and here's Tom Petty performing it live at Live Aid in 1985.
