When it comes to classic rock music, you may have a particular favorite that always tops your list, right? Jim Morrison, Paul McCartney, Jerry Garcia. Personally, one of my favorites has been Tom Petty, the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Not only has Petty been an icon in the music world, but he also holds a special place in Florida’s history. Did you know Tom Petty hailed from the small city of Gainesville, Florida, particularly the historic Duckpond neighborhood?

Born October 20, 1950, Thomas Earl Petty was an iconic American musician who grew up in the Northeast Gainesville Residential District, known by locals as the Duckpond.
Flickr Nick Thompson
Petty has many hit records over the years, being the lead vocalist and guitarist in many bands, as well as solo projects.
Wikipedia
It all started with an interest in rock and roll music when Petty met Elvis Presley after visiting the set of Presley’s film Follow That Dream in nearby Ocala.
Flickr musicisentropy
The musical journey continued as Petty eventually learned to play the piano by Don Felder, another fellow Gainesville resident who eventually joined the Eagles.
Flickr Takahiro Kyono

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Petty had an extensive career in many different bands. But most notably, Petty’s solo career and work with The Heartbreakers were most profound.
Flickr H. Michael Karshis
Today, visitors to Petty's neighborhood can pay their respects at the historical marker placed and the nearby park, renamed Tom Petty Park.
Flickr Jimmy Emerson DVM
Or even pass by his childhood home!
Flickr Todd Van Hoosear
During his career, Petty was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Florida Artists Hall of Fame and even had a few hits referencing his home state! Take a look below at the video for “Gainesville”:
Flickr Todd Van Hoosear

Did you know that Tom Petty was from Gainesville, Florida? Have you ever participated in any of the Tom Petty Weekends touring the Duckpond neighborhood? Share with us in the comments section!

Or, if you didn’t know, Florida is home to plenty of famous faces. Take a look at this list of the 13 famous people from Florida that you might not have known about.

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Duckpond, Gainesville, FL, USA