After experiencing tremendous success in the 1970s, Aerosmith built on their fame in successive decades, molding their sound and becoming one of the most popular bands in the history of hard rock. The band essentially drew up the blueprint for the power ballad and is one of the most recognizable groups in the world.The roots of Aerosmith can be traced back to an ice cream parlor in New Hampshire, in which lead singer Steven Tyler made the acquaintance of guitarist Joe Perry. The two rounded out the quintet with bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer and guitarist Brad Whitford. The boys relocated to Boston in 1970 and landed a record contract after two years of playing clubs on the local scene.The group released a self-titled album that did garner the band some attention, but their initial fan base was earned generally by touring. 1974's Get Your Wings experienced significantly more success, but it was Toys in the Attic that is considered to be the band's breakthrough effort. Singles "Sweet Emotion" and the re-released "Dream On" propelled the band into stardom. The success of the album pushed its two predecessors back onto the charts as well, a true sign of a breakout effort.The group dominated the airwaves through the ‘70s and into the ‘80s. Their 1980 Greatest Hits album would go on to sell more than six million copies. The group had lost both of its guitarists entering the 1980s, but the original lineup would be back intact by 1985. The band released Done with Mirrors that year, the first album with the original five members in six years. The following year, Tyler and Perry would appear on Run-D.M.C.'s cover of their song "Walk This Way," which became a smash hit and a defining collaborative moment between hip-hop and hard rock.The group regained their hard rock heavyweight status with several hit albums in the mid-‘90s, gaining a new generation of fans as well. The band has continued to cut records, including several live albums, and its members have established themselves as rock legends.