Sadness came in a whirlwind yesterday. As the news of the horrific shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival began to sink into our psyches, we learned that rock-and-roll icon Tom Petty had suffered a massive heart attack and had been pulled from life support.
Petty's songs left a deep imprint on country musicians. Songwriters from across the recent generations have drawn inspiration from his raw, organic and undeniably catchy songwriting techniques. You'll hear Petty's influence across modern country music, whether you turn on the radio dial or watch a live country show.
Here's how members of the country music world reacted to the news of his passing.
Eli Young Band
#TomPetty was more than a man to us. #Petty has become a noun, verb, and adjective in the language music. #IntoTheGreatWideOpen #RIPTOM
— Eli Young Band (@EliYoungBand) October 3, 2017
Brothers Osborne
"This day is a tough one," wrote the Brothers Osborne on Twitter, in a post later removed. "This man changed and saved our lives as kids. Crushed."
Jake Owen
My ? has many emotions today. Yesterday was a living nightmare. More sad news today losing Tom Petty. Life is short. Live it. Love u all.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017
"I'm gonna keep this world from dragging me down, I'll stand my ground." -Tom Petty#timely
— jakeowen.eth (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017
Charlie Worsham
we all wanted to be Tom Petty when we grew up. already needed to hear this song today. was not prepared to hear about Tom Perry's death too. https://t.co/OSjSxW6Xr1
— Charlie Worsham (@charlieworsham) October 2, 2017
Lukas Nelson
Thought this day couldn't get any worse. I'm at a loss for words, tears flowing freely. We must celebrate this incredible life. #RIPTomPetty pic.twitter.com/Q5zCR2M9WQ
— Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real (@lukasnelson) October 2, 2017
Whitney Rose
You've got a room at the top of the world tonight, Tom. https://t.co/hee7KrnjV3
— Whitney Rose (@whitneyroseband) October 2, 2017
Charles Kelley
Between the Vegas shooting and now @tompetty sad news I'm in a state of shock. What a sad day
— Charles Kelley (@charleskelleyla) October 2, 2017
Randy Rogers Band
https://twitter.com/RandyRogersBand/status/914948446607552512
Charlie Daniels
Shocked to hear about Tom Petty dying. RIP
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) October 2, 2017
Justin Moore
Now, Tom Petty. Today sucks. RIP to my favorite rocker ever. Regret I never saw him live. Prayers go out to his family...
— Justin Moore (@JustinColeMoore) October 2, 2017
Joe Henry
church elder of our tribe. pic.twitter.com/VYf10goJFp
— Joe Henry (@JoeHenryMusic) October 3, 2017
Sheryl Crow
I feel like today, the music truly died. Can't go see/hear music and be safe and one of the greats just passed. ?
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) October 2, 2017
Kalie Shorr
RIP Tom Petty. Literally my favorite artist of all time. Today sucks. I'm going to sleep ? let's make tomorrow better okay?
— Kalie Shorr (@kalieshorr) October 3, 2017
READ MORE:
Country Artists Who've Died in 2017
Tom Petty's Tremendous Influence on Country Music
Garth Brooks Says "Show Must Go" on After Shooting
