Rock Keyboardist Milestone

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Keyboardist Benmont Tench Celebrates 73rd Birthday

Benmont Tench, a longtime Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers keyboardist, turned 73 on Sept. 7. Tench began playing piano as a child and crossed paths with Petty while they were young musicians. He left college to join Petty's band Mudcrutch, which included future Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell, and guitarist Ron Blair, and drummer Stan Lynch to form Tom Petty & the Heartbreaker in the 1970s. His keyboards were a crucial ingredient in the band's sound, adding subtle flourishes to Petty's vocals. Outside the Heartbreaking, Tench has recorded with artists including Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones. He also released his solo album You Should Be So Lucky in 2014.

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