You Probably Didn’t Know That These Songs Featured Tom Petty
via @tompetty / YouTube
Tom Petty’s name evokes a certain kind of electricity—timeless songs, worn denim, and a voice that could steady or stir your soul. For decades, he crafted anthems that felt both personal and universal, the kind you’d sing along to in the car without realizing how deeply they’d etched into your memory. But beyond his own catalog, Petty left fingerprints on far more music than most listeners realize.
While tracks like “American Girl” and “Learning to Fly” sit comfortably in classic rock canon, Petty’s influence didn’t stop at his solo records or even his work with the Heartbreakers. He lent his voice, guitar, and songwriting skills to a range of collaborations that often flew under the radar. These cameos weren’t always billed as such—and unless you’re digging through liner notes, you might miss just how often Petty popped up on other artists’ tracks.
Whether he was harmonizing alongside Stevie Nicks or laying down guitar with legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, Petty’s presence elevated the songs he touched. In the following list, we’re spotlighting a handful of those lesser-known tracks where his contributions made a quiet, powerful impact.
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“Walk Away” by Del Shannon
Before tragedy struck Del Shannon’s life, he was working on what would become his final album, Rock On!, with help from none other than Tom Petty. As one of Shannon’s biggest admirers, Petty stepped in as a producer and collaborator, helping shape the sound of the album with his signature touch. On the track “Walk Away,” Petty’s influence is especially palpable.
Not only did Petty co-write the song, but he also provided backing vocals, weaving his voice into the fabric of the track with a subtle yet powerful presence. The song carries that classic Petty feel—laid-back but emotionally charged, with a rhythm that pulls you in without trying too hard. It’s a sonic fingerprint that seasoned listeners will recognize, even without reading the credits.
What’s remarkable is how naturally Petty fits into the world of Del Shannon, an artist who had long influenced him. “Walk Away” feels like a mutual nod of respect between two generations of rock storytellers. For fans of Petty, it’s a must-listen—both for what it says musically and for what it reveals about Petty’s deep admiration for the artists who came before him.
“Handle With Care” by The Traveling Wilburys
When legends collide, the result can be magic—or a beautiful mess. In the case of The Traveling Wilburys, it was the former. Tom Petty joined forces with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne to create a supergroup that somehow didn’t implode under the weight of its own talent. “Handle With Care,” the band’s debut single, is a perfect slice of that unlikely alchemy.
Petty contributes backing vocals and plays a supporting role, but even when he’s not front and center, his presence is felt. The track is warm, collaborative, and effortless—a song that could only have been made by musicians who respected each other deeply. Each voice has its moment, and Petty’s harmony adds texture without overshadowing the ensemble feel.
This song isn’t just a group project—it’s a time capsule of a rare moment when rock royalty decided to just have fun. Petty’s inclusion wasn’t incidental; he brought both humility and skill, acting as the connective tissue that held the eccentric energies of the group together. “Handle With Care” is more than a hit—it’s proof that egos can be set aside in service of the song.
“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Stevie Nicks
Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks had a musical chemistry that was unmistakable. One of the finest examples of that collaboration is “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” a hit that introduced many to the magic of their creative partnership. Though officially released under Nicks’ name, the song is deeply rooted in Petty’s sonic DNA.
Petty not only co-wrote the song with Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell, but he also sang one of the verses and offered backing vocals throughout. His gruff tone played beautifully against Nicks’ smoky wail, creating a dramatic push-and-pull that became the song’s emotional core. Their voices don’t just complement each other—they challenge and elevate one another.
More than just a duet, this track marked the beginning of a friendship and a collaboration that would stretch across decades. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” introduced a new audience to Petty, while showcasing Nicks in a raw, rock-infused setting. The song still sounds just as gripping today, and knowing Petty’s fingerprints are all over it makes it even more rewarding to revisit.
“Got My Mind Made Up” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan and Tom Petty touring together was already a dream pairing—but their studio collaborations reveal a different kind of magic. One such gem is “Got My Mind Made Up,” which appears on Dylan’s 1986 album Knocked Out Loaded. While the song may not be as widely recognized as other Dylan classics, it carries a distinct Petty stamp.
The song was originally written by Petty, then reworked by Dylan to fit his lyrical style. The result is a gritty, no-nonsense track that sounds like the product of many late-night jam sessions. The fusion of their sensibilities—Dylan’s cryptic edge and Petty’s melodic grit—gives the song a driving, stubborn energy that’s hard to ignore.
It’s fascinating to imagine the conversations that led to its creation. Did they trade verses over coffee? Did Petty play the chords while Dylan scrawled out lyrics in a notebook? The mystery adds to the allure, but the music speaks for itself. “Got My Mind Made Up” is a meeting point between two songwriters who defined their eras—and they somehow found a common language.
“The Running Kind” by Johnny Cash
Few things sound more American than Johnny Cash and Tom Petty on the same track. On “The Running Kind,” originally penned by Merle Haggard, the two icons deliver a performance that’s both rich in tradition and uniquely their own. The track appears on Cash’s Unearthed collection, with Petty backing him up both musically and vocally.
It’s a cover, yes—but one that feels like a conversation between legends. Petty’s higher-pitched tone dances around Cash’s deep, unwavering delivery, creating a layered performance that’s both haunting and warm. Their voices never compete; instead, they share space in a way that feels natural and reverent.
What stands out most is the emotional resonance of the song—lyrics about restlessness, longing, and never quite finding home. Petty’s contributions help underline that emotion, bringing an almost aching sensitivity to the track. “The Running Kind” becomes more than a duet—it’s a musical embrace between two artists who understood what it meant to never stop moving.
