Tom Petty through the years

Thirty years on, he’s still runnin’ down a dream

Though never quite as big a name as the Bob Dylans and Bruce Springsteens of the world, Tom Petty has been a major force in music for more than 30 years. From early FM radio hits like “American Girl” and “Refugee” with his backing band the Heartbreakers to his time with Dylan, George Harrison and co. in ‘80s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys to heavy rotation on MTV with “I Won’t Back Down” and “You Don’t Know How It Feels” during his solo stints, Petty has lived a bona fide rock star life. And he’s not slowing down: In June, he and the Heartbreakers will release “Mojo,” their first new studio LP in almost a decade, and they’re mounting an extensive U.S. tour. Here, a look back at Petty through the years.—Keith N. Dusenberry, Special to Metromix

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