Tom Petty's death has struck me for a number of reasons. For one, from my recollection, he is one of the first artists that I can recall following from start to finish over a long career.

I can recall when he started to gain a larger following with his earliest of hits, I played and played the song Breakdown over and over again from his first LP. Man, I was fixated on that song back then.

Another aspect of why his death has struck me is in some ways, he always projected this boyish-like persona - in other words, he always seemed eternally young.

Not only that, in every profile and interview with him it was always clear he was also a historian of music. And I LOVE that in artists. When an artist can sit and discuss their craft, the history of their craft, the world of their craft and know what the fuck they are talking about is a rare talent, indeed.

And I think so many can see how well respected this man was by all the comments from his peers.....

R.I.P, man...you left us with more than you demanded from us.....