Album Information:

About Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers is an American rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida in 1976. The original lineup consisted of Tom Petty (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Campbell (lead guitar), Ron Blair (bass), Stan Lynch (drums), and Benmont Tench (keyboards).

Tom Petty was born on October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida. He started playing guitar when he was 10 years old and by the age of 15, he had formed his first band, The Sundowners. After a brief stint in Los Angeles in the late 1960s, Petty returned to Gainesville and joined the band Mudcrutch, which included future members of The Heartbreakers.

In 1976, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers released their self-titled debut album, which spawned the hit singles 'Breakdown' and 'American Girl.' The album helped establish the band as one of the leading acts of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over the next few years, the band released several critically acclaimed albums, including 'Damn the Torpedoes' (1979), 'Hard Promises' (1981), and 'Long After Dark' (1982).

In addition to his work with The Heartbreakers, Petty also collaborated with a number of other artists throughout his career. He formed the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne in 1988, and they released two albums before Orbison's death in 1988. He also collaborated with Stevie Nicks on several occasions, including the hit singles 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' and 'You Got Lucky.'

Throughout his career, Petty was known for his distinctive voice, memorable guitar riffs, and catchy, anthemic songs that blended elements of classic rock, country, and pop. His songs often spoke to the struggles and hopes of everyday people, and his music has inspired countless artists over the years.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers continued to tour and record throughout the 2000s and 2010s, releasing their final album 'Hypnotic Eye' in 2014. Petty passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and influential artists in American rock history.

About the album Southern Accents:

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' album Southern Accents was released in 1985 and is considered one of the band's most diverse and ambitious works. It is a concept album that explores the southern culture and identity in the United States.

The album opens with the title track, 'Southern Accents', which features a prominent harmonica and sets the tone for the album's southern themes. The song is followed by 'Rebels', a rock anthem that became one of Petty's most popular and enduring songs.

The album also includes more experimental tracks such as 'Spike', which features a drum machine and synthesizers, as well as the psychedelic 'Don't Come Around Here No More', which features a sitar and a trippy music video inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

However, the centerpiece of the album is the three-part 'Southern Accents Suite'. The suite tells the story of a southern man struggling to come to terms with his past and the legacy of his family. The first part, 'The Best of Everything', is a country ballad that sets up the themes of the suite. The second part, 'It Ain't Nothin' to Me', is a rock song about the protagonist's rebellious youth. Finally, 'Southern Accents' (Reprise) brings the suite to a somber close with a piano-driven ballad.

Throughout the album, listeners will find a diverse range of genres and musical influences, from country and rock to punk and psychedelic. However, the underlying theme of southern identity and culture ties the album together into a cohesive and compelling work.

In conclusion, Southern Accents is a complex and thought-provoking album that showcases Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' versatility and creativity. It is a must-listen for any fans of southern rock or anyone interested in exploring the cultural identity of the American South.

Members:

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers is an American rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida in 1976. Though the band has seen several lineup changes over the years, some of its most notable and consistent members include:

1. Tom Petty - Lead vocalist, guitarist, and co-founder of the band, Tom Petty was born in Gainesville, Florida in 1950. He began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, Mudcrutch, in high school. In 1976, he formed Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, which went on to become one of the most popular and influential rock bands of all time. Petty died in 2017 at the age of 66.

2. Mike Campbell - Lead guitarist and co-founder of The Heartbreakers, Mike Campbell was born in Panama City, Florida in 1950. He and Tom Petty first met when both were playing in different bands in Gainesville. Campbell's distinctive guitar playing is one of the defining features of the band's sound.

3. Benmont Tench - Keyboardist and co-founder of The Heartbreakers, Benmont Tench was born in Gainesville, Florida in 1953. He and Tom Petty also met in high school and began playing together in Mudcrutch. Tench's versatile and soulful keyboard playing is a key component of the band's sound.

4. Stan Lynch - Drummer and songwriter, Stan Lynch was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1955. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1976 and played on many of the band's most popular songs, including 'American Girl' and 'Don't Do Me Like That.' Lynch left the band in 1994 and has since pursued a successful career as a songwriter and producer.

5. Ron Blair - Original bassist for The Heartbreakers, Ron Blair was born in San Diego, California in 1948. He joined the band in 1976 and played on their first four albums before leaving in 1982. Blair rejoined the band in 2002 and has been with them ever since.

6. Scott Thurston - Multi-instrumentalist, Scott Thurston was born in Los Angeles in 1952. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1991 and has played keyboards, guitar, and harmonica with the band. Thurston has also played with many other notable musicians over the years, including Iggy Pop and The Stooges, David Bowie, and The New York Dolls.

7. Steve Ferrone - Drummer, Steve Ferrone was born in Brighton, England in 1950. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1994, replacing Stan Lynch. Ferrone has also played with many other famous musicians, including Eric Clapton, Duran Duran, and George Harrison. He is widely considered to be one of the best drummers in rock music.

Track List for Southern Accents:

1. 'Rebels' - 5:21
'Rebels' is the opening track of the album and features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Tom Petty's signature vocals. The song discusses the theme of rebellion and fighting against societal norms.

2. 'It Ain't Nothin' to Me' - 5:09
'It Ain't Nothin' to Me' features a fast-paced rhythm and a prominent keyboard melody. The song's lyrics offer a commentary on the excesses of the entertainment industry.

3. 'Don't Come Around Here No More' - 5:05
'Don't Come Around Here No More' begins with an eerie, synth-driven introduction before transitioning into a rock ballad. The song's surreal lyrics describe a relationship gone sour.

4. 'Southern Accents' - 4:43
'Southern Accents' features acoustic guitar, harmonica, and mandolin, lending the song a folksy vibe. The lyrics describe Petty's love-hate relationship with his southern heritage.

5. 'Make It Better (Forget About Me)' - 4:23
'Make It Better (Forget About Me)' features a catchy chorus and upbeat rhythms. The song's lyrics offer a plea for reconciliation in a tumultuous relationship.

6. 'Spike' - 3:32
'Spike' features an eerie, synth-driven melody and sparse percussion. The lyrics describe a mysterious character who embodies 'the sinister side of life.'

7. 'Dogs on the Run' - 3:39
'Dogs on the Run' features a lively rhythm and catchy guitar hooks. The song's lyrics describe a couple on the run as they flee society's expectations.

8. 'Mary's New Car' - 3:47
'Mary's New Car' is an upbeat rock song fueled by driving guitar riffs. The lyrics describe the joy and excitement of owning a new car.

9. 'The Best of Everything' - 4:00
'The Best of Everything' features a slow tempo and sparse instrumentation, allowing Petty's vocals to take center stage. The song's lyrics offer words of encouragement to someone facing adversity.

10. 'Walkin' from the Fire' - 3:39
'Walkin' from the Fire' features a driving rhythm and infectious guitar riffs. The lyrics describe a difficult journey, but offer hope for a better future.

11. 'The Image of Me' - 3:32
'The Image of Me' is a cover of a country song originally performed by Conway Twitty. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' version features a catchy rhythm and polished instrumentation. The lyrics describe the failed relationship of the song's protagonist.

12. 'The Apartment Song' - 2:31
'The Apartment Song' is a short, upbeat rock song. The lyrics describe the trials and tribulations of living in an apartment complex.

13. 'Big Boss Man' - 2:35
'Big Boss Man' is a cover of a blues song originally performed by Jimmy Reed. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' version features a bluesy rhythm and gritty guitar tones. The lyrics describe the challenges of working for a demanding boss.

Discography for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:

Here is Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' complete discography in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - November 9, 1976
2. You're Gonna Get It! - May 2, 1978
3. Damn the Torpedoes - October 19, 1979
4. Hard Promises - May 5, 1981
5. Long After Dark - November 2, 1982
6. Southern Accents - March 26, 1985
7. Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) - April 21, 1987
8. Full Moon Fever (Tom Petty solo) - April 24, 1989
9. Into the Great Wide Open - July 2, 1991
10. Greatest Hits - November 16, 1993
11. Wildflowers (Tom Petty solo) - November 1, 1994
12. Songs and Music from 'She's the One' - August 6, 1996
13. Echo - April 13, 1999
14. The Last DJ - October 8, 2002
15. Highway Companion (Tom Petty solo) - July 25, 2006
16. Mojo - June 15, 2010
17. Hypnotic Eye - July 25, 2014

Singles:
1. 'Breakdown' - 1977
2. 'American Girl' - 1977
3. 'I Need to Know' - 1978
4. 'Listen to Her Heart' - 1978
5. 'Don't Do Me Like That' - 1979
6. 'Refugee' - 1980
7. 'Here Comes My Girl' - 1980
8. 'The Waiting' - 1981
9. 'A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)' - 1981
10. 'You Got Lucky' - 1982
11. 'Change of Heart' - 1983
12. 'Don't Come Around Here No More' - 1985
13. 'Jammin' Me' - 1987
14. 'I Won't Back Down' (Tom Petty solo) - 1989
15. 'Free Fallin' (Tom Petty solo) - 1989
16. 'Runnin' Down a Dream' - 1989
17. 'Learning to Fly' - 1991
18. 'Into the Great Wide Open' - 1991
19. 'Mary Jane's Last Dance' - 1993
20. 'You Don't Know How It Feels' (Tom Petty solo) - 1994
21. 'You Wreck Me' (Tom Petty solo) - 1995
22. 'Walls (Circus)' - 1996
23. 'Room at the Top' (Tom Petty solo) - 1999
24. 'Free Girl Now' - 1999
25. 'The Last DJ' - 2002
26. 'Saving Grace' (Tom Petty solo) - 2006
27. 'I Should Have Known It' - 2010

Other Releases:
1. Pack Up the Plantation: Live! - November 22, 1985 (live album)
2. Playback - November 20, 1995 (box set)
3. Anthology: Through the Years - October 14, 2000 (greatest hits compilation)
4. The Live Anthology - November 23, 2009 (live album)