Conversations with Tom Petty (Expanded Edition)

By: Paul Zollo

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Tom Petty has long been considered one of the great songwriters of American rock 'n' roll, as well as one of the key standard bearers of integrity in the music business. Conversations with Tom Petty is the first authorized book to focus solely on the life and work of the man responsible for some of the most memorable rock anthems of our generation, including: "American Girl", "Breakdown", "Refugee", "The Waiting", "Don't Come Around Here No More", "I Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin", "Runnin' Down a Dream", "You Don't Know How It Feels", "Mary Jane's Last Dance", and many others. Author Paul Zollo conducted a series of in-depth discussions with Tom about his career, with special focus on his songwriting. The conversations are reprinted here with little or no editorial comment and represent a unique perspective on Tom's entire career.

Originally published in 2005 (also by Omnibus Press), Tom's wife Dana has fully approved this updated edition, which retains its foreword by Petty, adds additional interview material, an expanded introduction as well as additional photos from Petty’s last ever live performance. This is, perhaps, as close as you can get to an autobiography by the great man.

©2012 Paul Zollo (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

A Must For Petty Fans

The price is right on audible. As a fan, this was a very good listen.

Must listen for any songwriter

I was a passive fan before I listened to this, and now I feel like I understand Tom Petty’s music on a whole new level. I feel like I can appreciate his brilliance much more now than before. This is a must read for any songwriter or fan of music. Paul Zollo asks every question I wanted to ask, and Tom’s answers are full of details. Excellent listen, I’m sad it’s over.

Great Talks with Tom Petty

It felt like watching Tom and the author have casual conversations and commentary that made me appreciate Tom’s music & life even more.

I loved it and I am only a moderate fan

This audiobook will take you awhile to listen to because will be constantly pausing the book and listening to the song that is being talked about.

The songs of my youth.

Good book. Sometimes I forgot it wasnt him talking. Author was EXTREMELY prepared. Poignant questions to get more than just patent interview answers. Insightful. Tom was such a prolific song writer. Big loss.