Tom Petty has been snagging the hearts of his fans with his mesmerizing hits, such as “Free Falling” and “American Girl”. While Petty was a member in a handful of small bands, it was his group Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in December of 1975. While Petty left the band later in his career to join the Traveling Wilburys, which showcased Bob Dylan, and eventually went on to a solo career, the singer regrouped with his former band in 1991 to record more hits and timeless classics. Although the legendary performer has won a variety of awards and was recognized for both his solo endeavors and band compilations, he has continued to hold an admirable status in light of his timeless songs that have yet to lose their impact.
Being aware of his extensive musical history and groundbreaking material, it’s no surprise that Petty will be honored as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute concert! While the singer has an incredible abundance of his own star power, The GRAMMYS have just announced that Petty is in for one heck of a night thanks to some major A-list performers! In addition to being honored by bands and performers such as The Foo Fighters, Nora Jones, Stevie Nicks, and Randy Newman, one royal singer is expected to make quite the performance. The “King” of country music himself, George Strait, is amongst the night’s tributes!
Strait confessed his love for the singer in a past concert when he performed the rocker’s hit song “You Wreck Me” during a Chicago concert. The cowboy’s country twang gave the iconic song the southern treatment it deserved, sending concert goers into an eruption of applause and excitement for the song Strait admitted would “surprise a lot of people”.
Petty’s recognition is credited in light of his chartable efforts and extensive list of accomplishments that have deemed the singer a great both on and off the stage. Proceeds for the event with be forwarded to MusiCares, a GRAMMY created fund that “services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality…for music people in times of need.”
Held during GRAMMY Week, the event began with the 1991 recognition of David Crosby, powering through the years up until the latest 2016 tribute for the one-of-a-kind Lionel Ritchie. With Petty snagging the 2017 title, it’s safe to say this event is sure to be one for the books!
You can check out Strait’s live cover of Petty’s hit below!