As a child in Gainesville, Florida, Tom Petty got a chance to meet Elvis Presley on the set of Follow That Dream thanks to his uncle's job.
This brief encounter had a huge impact on young Petty, fueling his passion for music, and making him pursue his career in rock and roll.
“Radiant, like an angel,” is how Petty described Elvis. After their encounter, he immersed himself in rock and roll, collecting Elvis's records.
Although Elvis ignited his passion for music, The Beatles made him believe that a successful career in rock was achievable.
Petty was inspired to master guitar and become a dedicated musician, creating his patch thanks to the early introduction of Elvis and the Beatles.
Tom Petty’s journey from a young dreamer to a rock legend who influenced generations of musicians shows how one moment can change everything.
Get to know the turning point in Tom Petty’s life that inspired him to pursue a career in rock and roll turning a small village boy into a rock legend.