Fresh Air Tom Petty / 'Reservation Dogs' Co-Creator Sterlin Harjo
Oct 18, 2024
Tom Petty, the legendary singer-songwriter behind hits like "American Girl," shares insights on his musical journey shaped by radio and personal experiences. Sterlin Harjo, co-creator of 'Reservation Dogs,' discusses the show's cultural impact and its satirical take on Native American stereotypes. Together, they emphasize the importance of identity, belonging, and humor in storytelling, while Harjo reflects on how music and community influence the lives of Native youth in Oklahoma. Their conversations weave personal history with broader themes of resilience and cultural legacy.
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Radio as Education
- Tom Petty learned about music from the radio and used it as a musical education.
- He and his friends would try to write down lyrics from songs as they played.
Writing Down South
- Tom Petty wrote "Down South" after reading a book about the South and revisiting his childhood memories.
- He wrote the lyrics first, then searched for music that created the right tone.
Daddy's Mistresses
- Terry Gross asks Tom Petty about his father's mistresses.
- Petty explains that the line in "Down South" is fictional, though his father did have many mistresses.