What genre is tom petty?

Tom Petty's music spans multiple genres, primarily rooted in rock and roll. His solo work and his band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, explore various subgenres within rock, including heartland rock, folk rock, psychedelic rock, country rock, and even some elements of new wave. Petty's music is known for its distinctive blend of classic rock influences, melodic hooks, thoughtful lyrics, and a touch of Southern charm. Throughout his career, he seamlessly merged different stylistic elements, resulting in a diverse and iconic body of work that transcends genre boundaries.