Tom Petty on Melody, a never-before-heard recording.

One of many recordings I have of interviews for our book Conversations with Tom Petty . He was an amazing melodist, and while discussing one of his songs I asked a question which isn't easy to answer - why is it that certain melodies are great? And Tom, being Tom, a pure soul, explained it simply. He even brought an aspect no one else has ever suggested - is it friendly? He was a songwriter, like Woody Guthrie, for the people. He didn't want to write songs which provoked or divided people. Quite the opposite. He wanted to make friendly music. Songs from a kindred soul, from a big heart singing directly to you. When working on melodies, he'd think, "Is it friendly?" And yes, they were friendly melodies. To this day. They are old friends now. But solid ones, always there for you fully when you call on them. Like Tom, they are giving songs And like him, they are true. He was the beloved king of friendly music. And as he wrote, it's good to be king. - Paul Zollo. Summer of '20.