What's your favorite Tom Petty song? I love stuff like The Waiting, Here Comes My Girl, A Face In The Crowd and Southern Accents, but I could name a lot more. What are your favorites?

Kenny is an absolute freakshow, one of the most tasteful guys around. The first two times I saw Kenny was on Lucinda's "Car Wheels" tour and then I moved up to Nashville for 13 years and I'd go see Kenny play at Robert's every chance I got. It blew my mind that you could walk in on a weeknight, pay no cover, sit at the bar and drink your beer and eat your cheeseburger while this fire-breathing monster was killing everyone in the room.

I like Lucinda story about how Tom went out front and told the audience to listen to her because he thought she was real good. She was in tears when she told it on the TP tribute October 2020

Please bring Kenny back and let him tell some stories about Marty Stuart and Johnny Cash. That would be awesome!

This is exactly how I hoped Tom was with people. Such a great story. Petty was a national treasure.

I loved his cover of Lucinda's song "Change The Locks".

"I first met Tom when I was opening some shows for him back in 1999. After a couple of shows he could see that the audience wasn’t exactly being receptive and so one night, much to my surprise, he went out and introduced me before the show, telling the audience they needed to listen. That says so much about who he was - and who he was to me. We were on our way to becoming lifelong friends." -Lucinda Williams facebook.com/12788249188/photos/a.426690129188/10155857719414189/?type=3

Southern Accents. Tom was my first concert Age 10 -- Columbia, SC 1985, or so. Blew my mind. These interviews and anecdotes and just incredible. What an outstanding job. I am sorry to be commenting so much -- but I feel like I found a bit of home on this crazy internet.

Great story R.I.P. Mr.Tom Petty🍻🇺🇸

Kenny Vaughn is just an amazing guitarist, he is also just a great man to listen to. I have been paying attention to him since the first time I saw him. He rules the telecaster, just rules it.

I was fortunate to see Tom play at Deer Creek on his 40th anniversary tour, I’ll never forget how special that night was.

Great interview. Every story I’ve heard about Tom Petty has had nothing but praise for the man. A great song writer and performer, and most of all, a kind and good man . Thank you.

I am a fan of Lucinda, more then 20 years and she gets better with years

Listen to Her Heart.. basically an A chord, but unbelievably presented..

I love Lucinda's music. Been strumming Blue the past few days. Beautiful song. A friend introduced me to her music a few years ago and I couldn't get enough after that. It's a shame she doesn't get more recognition. She is truly a female Bob Dylan. She's country like Bob Dylan is country, which is what I like. Love the rock guitar counter points to her songs and she writes great lyrics. Like the video, BTW.

My favorite Tom Petty song is Southern Accents. His voice sounds just like an angels on this one.

Tom Petty songs are the one thing we put on in my house and everyone loves it. I would have loved to have a cook out with Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers. They're just regular people with an extraordinary talents. RIP Tom you are very missed.

I'm from North Wales in the UK. I'd read about this band and ordered the record unheard (the only way to get new music back then) I became obsessed by it and played it to all my friends who gave it a lukewarm response - this was a era over overblown rock pomposity and TP & the Heartbreakers seemed like the perfect antidote to me. At the age of 17, I blagged my way onto a bus going to Knebworth Festival. Genesis were headlining and that seemed to be all anybody cared about. Sometime in the afternoon Colin (or hippy Col as he was known) suggested we try to get nearer the front and get some pictures - neither of us had a camera! As we were a bout thirty feet from the front these guys asked us if we wanted to sit down with them - they then proceeded to share everything they had with us - I never even found out their names - such cool people. Devo came on - I'd never even head them before and I was really getting into them when they were effectively bottled off. Then came Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - it was in the middle of a hot sleepy afternoon and everybody was sleepy & stoned. Two songs later everybody was on their feet - they absolutely rocked it. I doubt I'll ever see anyone take a festival by the scruff of its neck like that again. Everybody wanted to borrow my record when I got back. I refused - I told them they should get their own copy and wear that out. I think the dirty energy that they had just kind of synced with the punk mood. That first album is still the one I go back to and I think every track has been my favourite at one time or another. Jefferson Starship were awful - the absence of Grace Slick I suppose, Genesis were Ok but it wasn't really my thing. When I got back I looked so rough (I'd barely eaten and I'd slept out in the open) my girlfriends mother, with whom I'd had a difficult relationship up to then, took pity on me made me some food and eventually became my mother-in-law.

Good morning. "It's Good To Be King".

btw.... Kenny is a super story teller. He's so down to earth and articulate. I love his narrative.

It's always great seeing Kenny. He Rocks.

Dont know how you could ever pick a favorite.. I used to listen to his first two albums constantly on my walkman back in the fabulous 1970's. Those days seem like a dream, compared to nowadays....sigh...

Loving your channel. I was never really a big Tom Petty fan until I saw him live. I went to see The Replacements open for him. The Replacements were great, but only a few of us in the audience cared. Then Tom and the Heartbreakers came out and played an amazing show. Mike Campbell has beeen one of my favorite guitar players ever since. Went on to see Tom 2 more times. Always put on a great show...

Kenny is one of the best all around players I've ever heard

I'm in love, It's good to be king ( long version), Saving Grace, Power Drunk just a few. My very favorite " Oh Well" ✌ 💘

If memory serves, I first heard the great Kenny Vaughan in late July 1987 when my wife and I went to the Washington County Fair in Hillsboro, Oregon to see The Sweethearts of the Rodeo for the first time. Their lead guitarist just blew me away with his talent, so I headed over to the autograph table after the show and asked Janis and Kristine where they found that great picker with the Buddy Holly glasses. They laughed and told me they stole him out of Denver, Colorado. Saw them a second time at Portland's "Country Music on the Waterfront" festival where I got to talk to Kenny as he packed up his gear following their set. The third time came in Sept. 1988 at Seattle's "Bumbershoot Arts Festival." Watching him play guitar for those sisters reminded me so much of hearing the great Albert Lee play for The Everly Brothers when their early '80s Reunion Tour performed at the Clark County Fair just north of Vancouver, Washington.

My all time Tom Petty fave is "You Wreck Me". It's a Steve Young song on steroids. Going from the 9 down to the 4 and to the 1 is quintessential Outlaw Country. Especially Waylon. Which I suspect they got from all the blues guys and rockers back in the 50's and 60's. It's like that song "Rumble" but played over a Bo Diddly beat. One of the things I love about Tom is he wears his influences on his sleeve. He's derivative in the best meaning of the word. Thanks for the story Otis. God Bless you and Kousin Kenny!

Kenny is such a great guitarist. I've seem him with Marty Stuart and when Marty and the Byrds were doing the Sweethearts of the Rodeo tour a few years ago. Great story.

The whole Wildflowers Album was my favorite Tom Petty song. Love the rest, but that was his best.

I saw Lucinda Williams during her "Car Wheels" tour in the fall of 1998 in L.A. Kenny's guitar playing really knocked me out. Lucinda and her band were on fire that night. One of the best concerts I've ever seen.

I saw Lucinda open for Tom Petty shes great live. Glad to hear her stroke recently doesnt seem to be very bad.

I saw Tom in 95' - on the Dogs with Wings tour with my girlfriend at the time, when I was in High School. It was a beautiful, super hot Summer night, and they rocked so hard - and sounded so good - and it was just song after song of my girlfriend screaming, "Oh my gosh, I love this song." - and me going, "Yeah, I know." Haha. It's still, to this day, top 5 concerts I've ever seen - probably top 3 - and I've seen a lot. It was the best night of my teenage life - and a memory I'll always cherish. Tom and the Heartbreakers are in the rare category of bands that have written not one, but several timeless albums - in my opinion. Tom wrote great songs right up to the end. He never seemed to lose that teenage, rebel innocence about him, and I think that's why younger kids still listen to him. There are so many lesser known songs even, that have such simple but profound lines in them - it would be impossible to pick a favorite. I still love "Straight into Darkness", and "Have Love will Travel", and "Crawling Back to You" - and there's just too many to name. I love hearing stories about him and the band. They seemed like good guys.

❤️ Kenny Vaughn ❤️ Kenny Vaughn, very cool Otis

The superlatives are one of the best American bands ever ..... Those guys can do anything ....

What a cool story! "American Girl" or "You don't know how it feels".

Cool video. I actually got to catch a show on that tour in Buffalo NY when I was a teenager. It was amazing and my introduction to Lucinda Williams. She fuckin' rules! Then, years later I got to see her open again for Tom at the Hollywood Bowl at what sadly ended up being Tom Petty's final show. That was a great night, they were both in top form. My favorites include Yer So Bad, Southern Accents, I Need to Know, Wildflowers, The Waiting and so many more

My favourite tom petty song was walls. Saw him at Hyde Park and he played walls it was amazing. 2017

This story gave me chills. So awesome. Tom was, and will always be, the coolest.

Great back stage stuff Otis. "Here comes my Girl" from the Heart of T. P.

I love the humility with which Kenny V says, 'For whatever reason, they invited me in'. Em, I think that will be because they knew Kenny is one amazing guitar player!!

1999 I went to see him for my graduation gift. Lucinda Williams was awesome and the whole concert was totally worth living thru school.

Always loved Tom Petty. Got to see one of his last shows and was amazed by him and the band. Love southern accents. Mary Jane, breakdown, even the losers But love so many songs. Too many to pick a few I’d just list them all. He’s a great songwriter and a true rock n roller. Thanks as always Otis and thanks to KV.

Off the top, from their early days, I always loved Mike's killer, bluesy riff on Breakdown...they have so many great ones!

A great interview, what a gentlemen. I first saw Kenny Vaughan backing Lucinda on the Car Wheels on a Gravel Road Tour in '98 I think. It was immediately apparent I was seeing a world class player. Funny enough I was thinking this morning what my favorite TP Song is, an impossible task. But if forced to choose: It's Good to Be King.

favorite tom and the HB'S right now "Letting you Go"

I became a fan of Kenny Vaughan when I saw him on Lucinda's ACL performance around the time of "Car Wheels". And he was very nice during a meet-n-greet after a Marty show here in Colorado many years later. Not only does he know how to play a guitar, he's a great storyteller.

Otis, thank you so much for this. I don't think I'll ever get over Tom's early and unexpected departure. Any little peek into his life is greatly appreciated. Regarding your question: To me, Southern Accents, the album and the song, are vastly underrated and misunderstood. Tom Petty has a way of diving into emotions, and never more than in this album and the title song.

IT'S REALLY NICE TO HAVE A GUY THIS HUMBLE WHO IS REAL I KNOW WHAT HE TALKING ABOUT OPENING FOR BIG ACTS NOBODY'S SEEMS TO CARE EVEN WHEN YOUR PLAYING YOUR ASS OFF SO HEARING STORIES ABOUT ON. Guys like tom n mike is very nice shareing road. Stories. Thanks kenny

Fantastic interview. Thanks Kenny and Otis.

Learning to Fly and Free Fallin'. Great interview. Thanks Otis.

Saw Kenny with Lucinda and he was terrific,Cool cat! My personal fave of Tom's is" The Last DJ" album great concept record and great tunes...

Named my son after Tom. I loved Tom so very much, from about 75 when I heard American Girl on Radio Luxemburg..on a little blue Transistor radio in bed. Over the years I'd been to over 170 live dates, my first being Knebworth in 78. As with all, it's very hard to pick one song, but "Magnolia" would be at the tip of my list..thank you

Keep um coming Otis ! How cool is it one of the Superlatives stops over to chat !!!

A cookout with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers... oh hell yes! Sign me up!

These vignettes with Kenny are golden. I didn't know about Kenny until he started playing with Marty, but he's one of my all-time favorite guitar players. It's so great to see what a nice guy Kenny is.

I love Tom Petty and I am a big fan of Kenny and his tele.a double whammy today Mr Otis! Favorite song; Mary Jane`s last dance.

I saw Kenny on that tour with Lucinda at Nissan Pavilion in Virginia!! What a GREAT show! I remember saying to my friends - that is the coolest guitar player on Earth. Turns out I was right. big fan here.

Thanks, Kenny! Great story!!!

I like his live versions of the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch on Tom Petty radio SiriusXM.

Favorite Tom song is all the early stuff

Favorite Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Tune: "Magnolia" (First heard Summer of 1978, had heard "Breakdown" on the Radio for a while, liked it a lot, had it on the "FM Music" Album, friend had just got back from California, and had the Album "You're Gonna Get It" that just came out, was impressed greatly, bought their first and second album right off- have been telling People about the great band they've got to hear- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers- ever since), close second Favorite: "You Saw Me Comin'"

More Kenny! Thanks OG!,... Kenny is an Amazing Player..

This was great to watch. Thanks for sharing.

Favorite Tom Petty song. You don't know what it's like

burgers,beers and a doobie sounds like an Excellent evening!! yet alone with Awesome Rocker's. 👍🏼🌹🎸✌🏼

One favorite song is "All You Can Carry" from Hypnotic Eye. Great album but that track I love.

A few years ago...at DelFest...Marty Stuart an The Fabulous Superlatives were about to take the stage...I had never listened to them & considered going back to the tent and getting a bite and beer...Kenny Vaughan's Rock-a-Billy guitar blew me away. Being a old deadhead taper going back an re-listening to that set is still one of my guilty pleasures...Tom Petty's "I need to know" had that desperate almost punk/new wave vibe. Love that song.

I actually had the great opportunity of attending one of those cook-outs out back in the hotel parking lot on the bands day off.

After hearing Lucinda Williams I always felt she was the female version of Tom Petty. I thought they were a good match to be on tour together. Thanks for sharing this interview. Always interesting to hear the backstory of what went on.

My first record to ever own was Tom petty and I would play it over and over hours on end and Lucinda was later down the road both are amazing thanks y’all 🙏

I love love love Tom Petty And the Heartbreakers. Since 1979. There’s to many songs to pick from. I love the all. It all depends on my mood for the day. Today’s top pick for me is Swinging from the Echo album. Tomorrow is could be Saving Grace or Room at the Top. Or somewhere over Heaven from the new album Wildflowers & All The Rest. When Tom made his album Wildflowers he had to cut out a many songs cause the record company didn’t want to release a double album. Somewhere over heaven is 1 of the great songs that got left off. I really enjoyed this . Thank you.

Free Fallin’ and his cover of Feel a whole Lot Better, both from that album, 1989 or about. Great video man.

i could listen to kenny all week long, to cool, to funny !

Well said we all miss him.

Love You Kenny, Bless You for creating these Way fun Moments with Artists and Stories. Never Retire without contacting me 1st🤣😎💘

Couldn't agree more. A good one there. Kenny V. I feel lucky to have had both him and Mike Campbell playing on my records.

Southern Accents is right up there for me. Perth, Western Australia is about as far away as it gets from the place that Tom was describing, yet it’s so vividly evocative to me. His ability to cut through the bullshit and be a kind of everyman was one of his many gifts. I miss him. I always will. Listen To Her Heart and I Need To Know are terrific, too.

Saw Kenny with Marty Stuart 20 years ago in Nashville, Indiana. They were so good!

@Otis Gibbs ... I’ve been a TP & The HB fan so long that it’s a ubiquitous slice of my existence. I first heard Breakdown on FM radio in late ‘76 and just had to know what band recorded that “anthem.” And boy, did I EVER find out! Nearly 46 years now...I own every Petty vinyl record album, nearly every 45rpm (domestic & import) that I could get my mitts on, and have seen him and the boys 40 or more times in his 40 years of touring, all the way from Gainesville FL to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena...I’ve got vintage concert merch that I’ve had to box up to make room for newer Petty merch... It’s just kinda special for me to know that he and his band mates grew up just up the road from me, in this godforsaken state that’s shaped like a dong...the talent, the volumes of incredible material...it’s just awe inspiring... p.s. I LOVED Hoosier National, Otis.

I love watching the Marty Stuart Show I Love The Way Kenny Plays

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are near endlessly fascinating. They were so good for so long . . .

Fabulous interview ..only saw the Heartbreakers and Mudcruch once ...both great shows ...to date the Heartbreakers show was top 5 best shows ever. Five years ago my wife and I visited Nashville ..a friend told me to go see Kenny and Chris Skruggs at a small cafe on a Sunday night. Less than 40 or 50 in attendence. I had no idea who these guys were but what a show. The band played for Tips only. What a pleasure !

Hey Otis - I was fortunate to meet Kenny at the Calgary Folk Fest a few years ago. We lamented over his time playing with Lu (who I also met a few years before this story) and I brought up the fact that I had a live Lucinda DVD that he was on. We went on to talk music, touring, songs and Harry Stinson. One of my favourite guitar players. Peace.

It all depends on how I feel that day, but a song for every mood for sure. I saw Kenny with Marty and the Byrds with the Sweethearts of the rodeo thing, unbelieveable

Enjoyed that thanks a lot.

this was great. thanks

My friends and I always waited for the next Petty record....it was like a ride that would never end....then it did. Refugee because of a dancing moment in Berkeley at an out door gig with TP and Black Crowes....This woman and I just went mental....singing like we were on stage and screaming in each others smiling faces....but really I can throw on Petty for ages....the Fillmore Gigs....on and on...forever Tommy.

Tom P. God bless him. one only few men that I know made Johnny cash n the 90s rock again!

Well this was just brilliant. Thank you.

What a joy this reminiscence is! Thank you, Otis & Kenny!

I like these kind of stories so much.

Can't pick a favorite. I'm just glad I saw him twice in '99 at The Fillmore in SF.

Thanks for sharing. What a great insight into Tom and the band.

It's enjoyable to encounter a music topic video where the emphasis is on the telling, instead of the selling. Cool.

That was awesome Otis,,, thanks ! I've never seen Kenny that laid back and relaxed before... His on stage persona is a little on the grim side,,, lol... I always knew that he must be a cool guy because he wouldn't be with Marty if he wasn't.

Tom never stopped putting out great music. His level of songwriting and performing never wavered, as some in his age bracket tend to do. Also that last Mudcrutch project was insanely good. Put it on and let it run through song for song!

Hes spot on they werent typical southern rock guys more Dylan than Allman brothers but you could tell they loved the Allmans. Great band!

This is a remarkable testimonial. Many thanks.

Great clip Otis. Kenny is a natural storyteller, like you. I saw Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on every tour to Toronto since 1987. Each show was amazing. A few of my favourite Tom songs include Don't Come Around Here No More, How Many More Days, Runnin' Down a Dream, Crawling Back to You, I Should Have Known It and many more. As for Lucinda, Lake Charles and The Ghost of Highway 20 are two off the top of my head that I love. Keep up the good work Otis!

I love so many Tom Petty songs, but Learning To Fly is a special song to me