The 1960s singers Tom Petty called “the best” of the British invasion
Tom Petty said the Hollies were the British Invasion’s finest harmony singers, apart from the Beatles. His praise reflects how strongly British groups shaped his musical outlook and helps explain why the Hollies stood out among his influences.
The song that particularly captivated him was “I’m Alive”, whose harmonies he described as “incredible”. The Hollies had initially passed on the song to the Toggery Five, but reclaimed it and went on to score a number-one hit; Petty admired the group’s sound as well as the song.
In short
- Petty singled out the Hollies for their vocal harmonies.
- “I’m Alive” was the song that particularly captivated him.
- The Hollies reclaimed it and scored a number-one hit.
Explained simply
The British Invasion was the wave of UK bands who became popular in the United States in the 1960s, led by groups such as the Beatles. Many of these acts were known for close vocal harmonies, with several singers blending their voices.
The Hollies were an English band whose members included Allan Clarke, Graham Nash and Tony Hicks. Their 1965 recording of “I’m Alive”, written by Clint Ballard Jr, reached number one in the UK; the song had first been recorded by another group, the Toggery Five.
Tom Petty was an American singer and songwriter who came to prominence in the 1970s. The British bands he admired helped shape his musical outlook, and his praise for the Hollies points to the importance he placed on their harmonies and sound.