Released on this day in 1976, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is the eponymous debut album from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Initially following its release, the album received little attention in the United States. Following a British tour, it climbed to No. 24 on the UK albums chart and the single "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll" became a hit in the UK. After nearly a year and many positive reviews, the album reached the U.S. charts, where it peaked at No. 55 in 1978 and eventually went Gold. "Breakdown" was released as the lead single and cracked the Top 40 in the U.S. and "American Girl" became one of the band's signature songs.
In honor of the Anniversary, check out a few classic performance videos below.