Tom Petty was an influential American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. His style combined elements of rock, heartland rock, and stoner rock, characterized by his distinctive, nasally vocals and jangly, roots-oriented guitar. Petty's significant contributions to the rock genre include iconic hits like "Free Fallin'", "I Won't Back Down", and "American Girl". His work with the Heartbreakers, as well as his solo efforts and collaborations with the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, have solidified his place in music history.