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Happy Birthday Steven Tyler: Celebrating the Aerosmith Rocker’s Best Moments

Today marks a birthday many people, including Steven Tyler, thought they’d never see: his own.

The now-73-year-old lead singer of Aerosmith was one half of the so-called “Toxic Twins” with guitarist Joe Perry. As the driving creative forces in Aerosmith, they melded the look and sound of British bands The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. The result was an enduring legacy in the rock pantheon from the 1970s up to today.

Fronted by Tyler, Aerosmith broke out of the Boston music scene into national fame and notoriety with their self-titled debut in 1973 that contained the rock anthem “Dream On.” Other hits followed over the years, and the band reached a whole new audience in 1986 when it collaborated with rap duo Run-DMC to remake its 1975 “Walk This Way.”

3 Decades of Hits

Many rock bands’ careers are based on “make as much money as you can while you can” before public tastes change. But that wasn’t the case for Aerosmith, which has had hits over multiple decades. In addition to “Dream On” and “Walk This Way,” other hit songs included “Back in the Saddle” and “Train Kept a Rollin’.”

Another memorable performance and subsequent hit was a cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together” in the movie “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” starring Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees.

Aerosmith kept selling millions of albums into the 1990s. The albums “Get a Grip,” released in ’93, and “Nine Lives” in ’97 both hit number one, and the video for “Living on the Edge” was an MTV staple.

Steven Tyler on ‘American Idol’

Tyler’s well-earned reputation for hard living didn’t make him the kind of guy you’d necessarily introduce to your parents. Nonetheless, he entered mainstream America after joining “American Idol” as a judge for two seasons beginning in 2011.

Tyler brought a welcome hard-rock edge to the show while also being known for his sense of humor and kind words for almost all contestants.

Still Rocking, Still Working

Even as he’s gotten older, Tyler continues to break new ground as he’s sung with performers ranging from opera icon Andrea Bocelli to country stars Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Another example is his duet with Brad Paisley on “Run, Run Rudolf” at the 2014 Country Music Association (CMA) Country Christmas show.

Like those grandmothers who swear living to 100 is thanks to drinking a shot of whiskey every day, whatever you’re doing, Steven Tyler, is definitely working. Have a happy birthday…and we can’t wait to see what you’re up to in the coming year.