Aerosmith played its debut performance as a band at Nipmuc Regional High School. This led to its first recording contract with Columbia/CBS Records. Since then, Aerosmith's career has mimicked a roller coaster ride.

Vocalist Steven Tyler and Guitarist Joe Perry formed the original Aerosmith kernel. Bassist Tom Hamilton joined along with guitarist Brad Whitford and drummer Joey Kramer. At the end of 1970, the band relocated from New Hampshire to Boston.

In 1972, after playing club gigs, the band's popularity grew exponentially until the band's first album was released in 1973 with a single, "Dream On." This song only reached number 59 on the charts until 1976 when it became a top ten hit.

The band appeared to be on its way to the big time. Tyler's resemblance to the popular Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones didn't hurt. The band's fifth album was released in 1977 with a popular song, "Draw The Line," which reached number eleven in the United States. Aerosmith's fame continued an upward climb as it released another album and sang "Come Together" in the movie Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, featuring the Beatles1 songs. Despite a platinum album and one going gold, guitarist Whitford left the band. Jimmy Crespo joined. (Whitford rejoined in 1984.) Rick Dufay then joined as an additional guitarist. With new musicians, Aerosmith released Aerosmith's Greatest Hits in 1980 and Rock In A Hard Place in 1982.

Band members' problems with drug and alcohol addiction were public knowledge when Perry suddenly collapsed on stage in 1984. Perry and Tyler attended multiple rehabilitation programs in attempts to kick their habits and continue their music. The band got back on track and came out with a new album called Done With Mirrors for Geffen Records. In 1986, Aerosmith's career seemed to be on the upswing with the release of "Walk This Way." MTV aired the video until it reached number four.

Finally, after sixteen years of struggling, Aerosmith found its groove. Hit after hit followed. Aerosmith became recognized for the hits "Rag Doll" and "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)." A ballad named "Angel" proved that Aerosmith was not all hard rock. In 1989, it released the best album yet, Pump, which went to number five and sold over four million copies.

Since '89, a hand full of other albums were released, but the group's road again became rocky. The drug problem was rumored to have returned. Band manager, Tim Collins, was dismissed for accusing Tyler of doing drugs. Ironically, Collins was the one who rescued the band from its previous drug addictions. Tyler denied all allegations.

In the nineties, Aerosmith was said to be clean of its old habits. Its music spans three decades plus and the band successfully continues to grow in popularity. Aerosmith fans keep coming back for more.