Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers celebrate 50th anniversary of ‘American Girl’ and ‘Breakdown’

Both songs are available now via digital outlets.

“American Girl” and “Breakdown” both appeared on Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ self-titled debut album, which was released in November 1976. “Breakdown” became Petty’s first top-40 hit, peaking at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Although “American Girl” failed to chart in the U.S. when it was initially released, it went on to become one of Petty’s most popular songs and is often ranked as one of the best rock songs of all time. It’s also the last song Petty ever played live, during his September 2017 show at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Petty died just over a week later on Oct. 2, 2017.

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