Musicians who died on October 2

Take a focused look at the musicians who passed away on October 2. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1998 Gene Autry

  Gene Autry was an American singer, songwriter, actor, and businessman, best known as one of the most famous singing cowboys in the history of country music and Western films. His career spanned radio, film, television, and music, making him an enduring icon of American entertainment. [bio]

• 2017 Tom Petty

  Tom Petty was an influential American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He was also a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and the earlier band Mudcrutch. Petty's career, spanning over four decades, was marked by a distinct heartland rock sound and a string of hits that made … [bio]