Tom Petty Born: Heartbreakers Frontman Enters Rock History
Tom Petty recorded 'Don't Do Me Like That' on a four-track in his garage and got turned down by every label before Shelter Records said yes. That was 1976. He spent the next four decades making American rock music that sounded effortless because he'd worked so hard at making it that way. When MCA Records tried to release his 1981 album Hard Promises at a higher price point, he refused to deliver the master tape until they backed down. He won. He died on October 2, 2017, of an accidental drug overdose at 66.
October 20, 1950
76 years ago
What Else Happened on October 20
Papst Clemens VI. verbietet die öffentlichen Geißlerzüge der Flagellanten.
en Bélgica, se libra la batalla de Montenaken.
en la actual República Dominicana, Francisco Dávila funda la villa Hato Mayor del Rey como una porción de tierra que se dedicaba a la ganadería y la agricultura…
Kaiser Karl V. landet mit einer Flotte bei Algier, um den algerischen Korsaren das Handwerk zu legen. Ein Unwetter, das die Schiffe zerstreut, und schwere Verlu…
Alonso de Mendoza founded La Paz in a valley 11,975 feet above sea level on orders from Charles V. He named it Nuestra Señora de La Paz—Our Lady of Peace—becaus…
The Duke of Alba crushed William the Silent’s forces at the Battle of Jodoigne, scattering the Dutch rebel army and forcing William into exile. This victory sec…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.