Tom Petty

Tom Petty has been with me my entire life. Before I could speak in full sentences, I would toddle over to my parents' record shelf and pull down "Hard Promises." I couldn't say his name, but I knew which one I wanted.

I had lawn seats at the Starplex in the 90s. I wanted to get closer, so I started walking. Past the lawn. Past the covered section. All the way to the front of the stage, where security finally stopped me. I told the guard I just wanted to stay for a little bit. He said it was a fire hazard. I pointed out that we were, in fact, outside.

Tom Petty saw the small commotion on the side of the stage. He looked right at me and said, "It's alright, baby doll."

That was all I needed. I went back to my lawn seat.

"Into the Great Wide Open" was my senior class song. I have put "Wildflowers" on every mix tape I have ever made. The first time I heard it, I felt like I had already known it my whole life.