The Day the Rock Star Died

Tom Petty was the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, formed in 1976. He was also a co-founder of the late 1980s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. He recorded many hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist. In his career, he sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Learn more about his incredible career and lasting legacy on the anniversary of his death.

Although Jimi Hendrix’s mainstream career only lasted four years, he made an impact on the world of music that will last forever. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even describes him as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.” He revolutionized the way that we look at an electric guitar, could play solos like nobody else, and set a new standard for all guitarists moving forward. This week, we’ll look into the life of the incredible rock legend, the hits he created, and the iconic performances that he played

There is no denying that Elvis Presley is a true music icon and has definitely earned the title of the “the King of Rock and Roll.” With an enormous body of hit singles, commercial success in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel music, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. Prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate at just 42 years of age. However, Presley’s legacy lives on as one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century.

Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter whose stunning voice easily followed in the footsteps of Janis Joplin and Billie Holiday. Her debut album, Frank, was a critical success in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her follow-up album, Back to Black, led to five 50th Annual Grammy Awards, and a record of most Grammys won by a female artist in one night. Her album Back to Black posthumously became one the UK's best-selling albums of the 21st century.

Michael Hutchence was the founding member, lead singer and lyricist of rock band INXS from 1977 until his death on November 22, 1997. Hutchence was the archetypal rock showman. He exuded an overtly sexual, macho cool with his flowing locks, and lithe and exuberant stage movements. His private life was often reported in the Australian and international press, with a string of love affairs with prominent actresses, models and singers.

With hits like "That'll be the Day," "Everyday," and "Peggy Sue,” Buddy Holly was a central figure of late 1950s rock and roll. In early 1959, he assembled a new band and embarked on a tour of the midwestern U.S. that ended in tragedy.