Steve Earle Reveals Reinvention of Tom Petty’s “Yer So Bad”

Steve Earle’s reimagined version of Tom Petty’s “Yer So Bad” is now available. The new single is from the tribute album, Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, which is set for release on June 21, 2024.

“Yer So Bad” was the fifth and final single from the late rocker’s first solo album, Full Moon Fever, which featured other instant Petty classics “Free Fallin’” and “I Won’t Back Down,” amongst others. At its peak, the song climbed to #5 on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks chart and remains one of Petty’s best told lyrical stories.

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Renowned for his gritty rock persona and iconic California anthems, Tom Petty holds a significant position as a major influence on contemporary country music. Originating from Gainesville, Florida, Petty traversed between the American coasts, relocating from his hometown to Los Angeles, yet maintaining strong ties to the South. This regional connection permeates his extensive discography, characterized by lyrics reflecting his southern upbringing, complemented by his trademark melodies and rugged vocal style that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

Petty’s profound connection to country music led to collaborations and enduring friendships with numerous legendary artists in the genre, such as Carl Perkins (whom Petty inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Johnny Cash (with whom the Heartbreakers served as the backing band on the album Unchained), June Carter Cash, Marty Stuart, John Prine, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr., and Willie Nelson. Presently, contemporary country songwriters frequently cite Petty as a source of inspiration, acknowledging his influence on shaping their own musical style.

Throughout his 40-year career, Tom Petty emerged as one of the most prominent cultural American figures. In addition to producing 13 studio albums with the Heartbreakers, Petty released three solo albums, notably the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. He also contributed to the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and performed with the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch. Petty amassed a multitude of achievements, including multiple Grammy Awards, over 80 million records sold, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Although he passed away in 2017 following his 40th anniversary tour, Tom Petty’s musical legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.