Many of his songs have become part of the canon of American rock. American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – 1976Īn iconic American rock star, Tom Petty hails from Gainesville and is best known for his songs American Girl, Freefallin or Mary Jane’s Last Dance. This all helps to explain Florida’s unique musical sound.ġ. The upper panhandle has heavy Southern influences, while a large Cuban population in the southern tip injects Caribbean influences into the state. A unique blend of influences have shaped the state’s culture. One of the country’s most populous states, Florida is also one of its most interesting.
