Aerosmith << AIR oh smihth >> is a popular American rock band. The group became known for its hard-driving beat, raw and soulful vocals, and energetic live performances. Aerosmith has won a number of Grammy Awards for its music.
Aerosmith was formed in 1970, in Sunapee, New Hampshire, by vocalist Steven Tyler (Steven Victor Tallarico, 1948-…), lead guitarist Joe Perry (Anthony Joseph Perry, 1950-…), and bassist Tom Hamilton (1951-…). Later in 1970, Ray Tabano (1946-…) joined the group as rhythm guitarist. He was soon replaced by Brad Whitford (1952-…). At first, Tyler played drums with the group. By the end of 1970, Joey Kramer (1950-…) became the drummer and Tyler became the lead singer. The group moved to Boston by the end of 1970.
Aerosmith’s first album, Aerosmith, was released in 1973. It featured the group’s first hit song, “Dream On.” The group’s second album, Get Your Wings (1974), featured the hits “Same Old Song and Dance” and “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” Aerosmith’s third album, Toys in the Attic (1975), brought the group international fame. The album’s singles “Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way” both became top-40 hits in the United States.
In 1979, Perry left the band and was replaced by the guitarist Jimmy Crespo (James Crespo, Jr., 1954-…). In 1981, Whitford left the band and was replaced by the guitarist Rick Dufay (Richard Marc Dufay, 1952-…). Perry and Whitford returned to the band in 1984.
In 1986, the American rap group Run-D.M.C. released a rap version of “Walk This Way,” featuring Tyler and Perry. The song became a big hit and helped revitalize Aerosmith’s career.
Aerosmith has released more than a dozen albums. The group’s other hit songs include “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Angel” (both 1987); “Love in an Elevator,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” and “What It Takes” (all 1989); “Cryin’” and “Crazy” (both 1993); “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (1998); and “Jaded” (2001).
Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. From 2011 to 2012, Tyler was a judge on the popular singing competition television show “American Idol.” Perry wrote a memoir, My Life in and Out of Aerosmith (with David Ritz, 2015). Also in 2015, Perry began performing in the rock band Hollywood Vampires with the American musician Alice Cooper and the American actor and musician Johnny Depp. The group has performed throughout the world.
See also Heavy metal music; Rock music (The heavy metal sound).
