Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, and Chris Stapleton shared the stage at the CMT Artists of the Year to celebrate the music of Tom Petty on Wednesday. The iconic singer-songwriter, who died from a heart attack, may have passed away, but his music will continue to live on in the hearts of his co-artists and fans.
The late musician was remembered at the awarding event to honor him for his contribution to the music scene. The three honorees performed their own rendition of "I Won't Back Down" which is featured on Tom Petty's first studio album "Full Moon Fever" released in 1989.
2017 CMT Artists of the Year
Before the trio was introduced onstage, Luke Bryan said Jason Aldean personally chose to perform a Tom Petty hit for his set at the CMT Artists of the Year celebration. "Jason gave a lot of thought about what he wanted to play on this show," he said. "And he kept coming back to a song from a hero of his, and many of ours here tonight."
Artist pays tribute to victims of Las Vegas shooting
This is not the first time Jason Aldean has played the 1989 hit. In fact, it can be considered his most favorite song to cover at music events, clubs, and television appearances. Earlier this month, the country singer performed a soulful rendition of "I Won't Back Down" on "Saturday Night Live" as a tribute to the victims of Las Vegas shooting.
Prior to his performance, the artist delivered an emotional message to the people involved in the traumatic incident that took the lives of 58 concertgoers and injured about 500 individuals. "I want to say to them we hurt for you and we hurt with you, and you can be sure we’re going to walk through these tough times together every step of the way," he said.
Jason Aldean received his sixth Artist of the Year recognition on Wednesday. The 40-year-old crooner is best known for his songs "She's Country," "Take a Little Ride," "Don't You Wanna Stay" and more.
Remembering the late Tom Petty
Meanwhile, Tom Petty was in the music industry for over three decades and was renowned for his hit songs "Free Fallin," "Runnin' Down a Dream," "American Girl" and a lot more.
He was the lead singer of "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" that was formed in 1976.
He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu and was pronounced dead on arrival at the UCLA Medical Center. The legendary singer was surrounded by his family, bandmates, and colleagues when he took his last breath. He was 66.