Steven Tyler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Steven Tyler
Tyler in 2018
Born	Steven Victor Tallarico (1948-03-26) March 26, 1948 (age 77) New York City, U.S.
Other names	The Demon of Screamin'
Occupation	Singer songwriter musician actor television personality
Years active	1970–present
Spouse(s)	Cyrinda Foxe ​ ​ (m. 1978; div. 1987)​ Teresa Barrick ​ ​ (m. 1988; div. 2006)​
Children	4, including Liv Tyler and Mia Tyler
Relatives	Jon Foster (son-in-law)
Musical career
Genres	Hard rock heavy metal blues rock glam metal country rock
Instruments	Vocals keyboards harmonica drums guitar

Steven Victor Tallarico (born March 26, 1948), known as Steven Tyler, is an American singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith. In the band, he also plays keyboards, harmonica, and percussion. People call him the "Demon of Screamin'" because of his powerful voice and high screams. He is also famous for his energetic moves on stage. Steven Tyler often wears colorful outfits and makeup, with his special scarves hanging from his microphone stand.

In the 1970s, Steven Tyler became very famous with Aerosmith. They released popular hard rock albums like Toys in the Attic and Rocks. They also had many hit songs, including "Dream On", "Sweet Emotion", and "Walk This Way". The band's popularity went down in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But Aerosmith became popular again when Steven Tyler and Joe Perry worked with Run-DMC. They remade "Walk This Way," which became a Top 5 hit song.

After this, Aerosmith made a big comeback. They released multi-platinum albums like Permanent Vacation, Pump, Get a Grip, and Nine Lives. These albums had many Top 40 singles and won the band many awards. During this time, Aerosmith went on their longest concert tours. They also made music videos and appeared on TV, in movies, and in video games.

Since the late 1980s, Steven Tyler has also worked on solo projects. He has sung with other musicians like Alice Cooper and Santana. He has also worked in movies and TV, written a book, and released his own music. His solo song "(It) Feels So Good" was a Top 40 hit in 2011. There were some disagreements with his Aerosmith bandmates in 2009 and 2010. He joined American Idol as a judge without telling the band. Even so, Steven Tyler has continued to make music and perform with Aerosmith for over 50 years. In 2016, he released his first solo album, We're All Somebody from Somewhere. This was a country rock album with the song "Love Is Your Name". Steven Tyler toured to support this album. He still performs both alone with the Loving Mary Band and with Aerosmith.

Steven Tyler is on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest singers. He was ranked third on Hit Parader magazine's list of the Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time. In 2001, he was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Aerosmith. In 2013, Steven Tyler and his songwriting partner Joe Perry received the ASCAP Founders Award. They were also added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Steven Victor Tallarico was born on March 26, 1948, in Manhattan, New York. His family moved to the Bronx when he was three. In 1957, when he was about nine, they moved to Northeast Yonkers. His mother, Susan Ray, was a secretary. His father, Victor A. Tallarico, was a classical musician and pianist. He taught music at Cardinal Spellman High School.

Steven Tyler's father had Italian and German family roots. His mother had Polish, English, and African-American family roots. He has said that his mother's grandfather was Ukrainian. His grandfather changed his last name from "Czarnyszewicz" to "Blancha." A family historian found that Steven Tyler's grandfather was Polish. He was born Felix Czarnyszewicz in 1892 in Klichaw, which is now in Belarus. In 1914, he moved to the US and changed his name to Blancha.

Steven Tyler went to Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, New York. He was expelled just before he could graduate. He later graduated from Quintano School for Young Professionals.

When he was 17, Steven Tyler spent time in Greenwich Village, New York. A highlight for him was seeing a Rolling Stones concert. He said he and his friends were "buzzing like crazy just because we got to touch them." He also said, "Everybody told me that I looked just like Mick Jagger with my big lips."

Forming Aerosmith: The Early Years

Before Aerosmith, Steven Tyler wrote "Dream On", which became one of the band's most famous songs. In 1969, he went to a rock show in Sunapee, New Hampshire. There, he saw Joe Perry (guitars) and Tom Hamilton (bass) playing in a band called the Jam Band. Steven Tyler said he was impressed by their energy.

Around 1970, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Tom Hamilton decided to start a band. Steven Tyler had played drums in his earlier bands. But he insisted he would be the lead singer this time. Joey Kramer, an old friend of Tyler's, joined as the drummer. Tyler also invited his childhood friend, Ray Tabano, to play rhythm guitar. The band wanted to become full-time musicians. They moved to Boston and shared a small apartment in Allston in the fall of 1970.

Soon after moving to Boston, Steven Tyler was not happy with Ray Tabano's effort. The band decided to replace Tabano with Brad Whitford. Steven Tyler helped manage the band and guided their activities in these early days.

The band played in Boston clubs and then started working with managers Steve Leber and David Krebs. Leber said the band was "the closest thing I've ever seen to the Rolling Stones". In early 1972, the managers set up a show at the famous nightclub Max's Kansas City. This was to show the band to record company executives. They signed a record deal with Columbia Records in 1972. Their first album, Aerosmith, came out in 1973. Their second album, Get Your Wings, followed in 1974.

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry performing live in concert

Rising to Fame: Aerosmith's Success

Aerosmith continued to tour and opened for bands like Mott the Hoople. Their song "Dream On" was a small hit in 1973. But Aerosmith did not become widely known until their albums Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976). In 1975, they had their first top-40 hit with "Sweet Emotion". Later, "Dream On" was re-released and became a number six hit in 1976. This was followed by another top-10 hit, "Walk This Way". The album Rocks also had hit songs like "Last Child" and "Back in the Saddle".

By 1976, Aerosmith was headlining large stadiums and major rock festivals. Steven Tyler became a famous rock star. He was on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Their fifth album, Draw the Line, made the band even more successful. They became famous worldwide and toured in Europe and Japan. They had more hit songs like "Draw the Line" and "Kings and Queens". Aerosmith's first five albums have sold millions of copies. They are seen as some of the best hard rock albums ever.

Aerosmith toured a lot in the mid-to-late 1970s. Their live shows from this time were captured on the 1978 album Live! Bootleg. In 1978, Steven Tyler also acted for the first time. He played the leader of the Future Villain Band in the movie Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The movie also featured Aerosmith's cover of the Beatles' song "Come Together".

Band Changes and Comeback

As the 1970s ended, the busy life of touring and recording started to affect the band. On July 28, 1979, after a big argument, Joe Perry left Aerosmith. He started his own band, The Joe Perry Project. Aerosmith released Night in the Ruts that fall and continued with new guitarist Jimmy Crespo.

In 1980, Steven Tyler was hurt in a motorcycle crash. He was in the hospital for two months and could not tour or record for much of 1981. When the band got back to the studio, Tyler worked with Jimmy Crespo. They wrote and produced the album Rock in a Hard Place (1982). Brad Whitford left the band in 1981. He was replaced by Rick Dufay, and the band kept touring into 1983.

Reuniting the Band

On February 14, 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, who had left the band, came to an Aerosmith show. Steven Tyler called Joe Perry and asked them to meet again. Backstage, they all met, and Perry and Whitford agreed to rejoin the band. With the reunion, the band also got new managers and signed a new record deal. Aerosmith started a reunion tour, the Back in the Saddle Tour. They recorded again and released Done with Mirrors in 1985.

Superstardom and New Hits

Aerosmith became famous again when Steven Tyler and Joe Perry appeared on Run–D.M.C.'s cover of "Walk This Way" in 1986. This song mixed hip-hop and rock, helping rap become mainstream. It also introduced Aerosmith to a new generation of fans. The song reached number four on the charts and had a popular music video. This helped Aerosmith make a big comeback. Tyler and Perry started writing songs together again. They also worked with other songwriters and producer Bruce Fairbairn to give Aerosmith a fresh sound.

Aerosmith released Permanent Vacation in 1987. It was a huge success, selling millions of copies and producing three top-20 hits: "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)", "Angel", and "Rag Doll". The band toured with Guns N' Roses. Permanent Vacation was followed by Pump in 1989, which was even more successful. It sold 7 million copies and had three top-10 hits: "Love in an Elevator", "Janie's Got a Gun", and "What it Takes". Pump helped Steven Tyler explore new musical ideas. "Janie's Got a Gun" won the band's first Grammy award.

Tyler in 1996

With the success of Permanent Vacation and Pump, Aerosmith became very popular on MTV. Steven Tyler became a well-known name. The band appeared on a "Wayne's World" sketch on Saturday Night Live in 1990. In 1991, Aerosmith was one of the first bands to be featured on The Simpsons. That year, the band also signed a big record deal with their old label, Columbia. The box set Pandora's Box was released in late 1991. The band filmed a music video for "Sweet Emotion" to promote it.

The band released Get a Grip in 1993. This became their most successful album worldwide, selling over 15 million copies. It produced many hit singles like "Cryin'", "Livin' on the Edge", "Amazing", and "Crazy". Aerosmith won many awards during this time, including two Grammy Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards. The band became known for their music videos, which often had movie-like stories. Steven Tyler's daughter Liv made her acting debut in the band's video for "Crazy" in 1994. The band also went on their biggest tour, playing over 240 shows in nearly 30 countries.

After the Get a Grip Tour ended in December 1994, the band took a break. They needed to rest from their busy lifestyle. Tyler and Perry started writing for a new album. In 1997, they released Nine Lives, which sold millions of copies. It had three hits: "Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)", "Hole in My Soul", and "Pink". "Pink" won the band their fourth Grammy. They toured for over two years to support the album. In 1997, Tyler and Perry were in a commercial for the GAP. That fall, the band's autobiography, Walk This Way, was released.

In 1998, while on tour, Steven Tyler hurt his knee when a microphone stand fell on it. He finished the show, but they had to cancel some dates. Tyler had to wear a leg cast while filming the video for "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". This song was the band's first number-one hit. It also introduced Aerosmith and Steven Tyler to a new generation. The song was written for the movie Armageddon, which starred Tyler's daughter Liv. In 1999, Tyler and Perry joined Kid Rock and Run–D.M.C. to perform "Walk This Way" at the MTV Video Music Awards. Earlier that year, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opened at Walt Disney World.

Continued Success and Touring

In 2001, Aerosmith played at the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show. They were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band released the album Just Push Play, which had the top-10 hit "Jaded". At the 2001 Indianapolis 500, Steven Tyler sang the National Anthem. He sang it in his unique Aerosmith style. However, he changed some words, which caused a public outcry. He apologized for this.

Tyler performed alongside bandmates Joe Perry and Brad Whitford at an Aerosmith performance on the National Mall in 2003

In 2002, a two-hour TV special about Aerosmith, Behind the Music, was released. It told the band's story. They were also honored as MTV Icons. That summer, they released the collection O, Yeah! The Ultimate Aerosmith Hits, which sold millions of copies. It included the new song "Girls of Summer".

In 2003, Steven Tyler received an honorary degree from Berklee College of Music. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Boston. In 2003, he helped induct AC/DC into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later that year, he toured with Aerosmith and KISS. In 2004, Aerosmith released the blues cover album Honkin' on Bobo. Tyler sang the National Anthem to start the 2004 World Series at Fenway Park. The 2004 movie The Polar Express featured Tyler singing "Rockin' on Top of the World" with animated elves.

In 2005, Steven Tyler sang on Santana's hit song "Just Feel Better". He also made a small appearance in the movie Be Cool. In 2006, after recovering from throat surgery, Tyler performed with Joe Perry and the Boston Pops Orchestra. This was his first big public appearance since the surgery. That year, Tyler recorded a duet with country artist Keith Anderson, called "Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll".

Later in 2006, the Aerosmith collection Devil's Got a New Disguise was released. It included two new songs. Tyler toured with Aerosmith again for the Route of All Evil Tour with Mötley Crüe. He also appeared on the sitcom Two and a Half Men, playing himself. In 2007, Tyler was active with Aerosmith's world tour, performing in 19 countries.

On May 21, 2008, Steven Tyler went to a rehabilitation clinic to recover from several leg surgeries. He said the pain was very intense and he needed a safe place to heal. In June 2008, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was released. It was the first video game based only on one band and was very successful. On July 14, 2008, Tyler's mother, Susan Tallarico, passed away.

On July 18, 2008, Steven Tyler performed with Billy Joel at the last concert at Shea Stadium. He sang "Walk This Way." In August 2008, a company won the right to publish Tyler's autobiography. That same month, Tyler performed with trumpeter Chris Botti in Boston. The concert was released as a CD/DVD. In December 2008, Tyler made a surprise appearance at Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts. He sang "Dream On" and "Sweet Emotion" with them.

New Projects and Tours

Tyler performing with Aerosmith in July 2012

On August 5, 2009, while on tour, Steven Tyler fell off a stage in Sturgis, South Dakota. He hurt his head and neck and broke his shoulder. Aerosmith had to cancel the rest of their 2009 tour.

In November 2009, there were reports that Tyler had no contact with Aerosmith members. Some thought he had left the band. Joe Perry said Tyler had quit to start a solo career. However, Tyler joined Joe Perry Project on stage and told the crowd he was "not quitting Aerosmith."

In December 2009, Rolling Stone reported that Tyler had gone to rehab for pain management. In 2010, he went on the Cocked, Locked, Ready to Rock Tour with Aerosmith. They performed over 40 concerts in 18 countries. On September 16, 2010, it was reported he would have his first solo project. He wrote "Love Lives," a theme song for the Japanese movie Space Battleship Yamato.

On September 22, 2010, Fox announced that Steven Tyler would be a judge for the tenth season of American Idol. He joined Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. In December 2010, Tyler performed at the Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating Paul McCartney.

On January 19, 2011, Tyler first appeared as an American Idol judge. On April 2, 2011, he presented an award at the 2011 Kids' Choice Awards. The next day, he performed with Carrie Underwood at the Academy of Country Music Awards. They sang Underwood's song "Undo It" and Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." On May 3, 2011, his autobiography, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?, was released. It reached number two on The New York Times Best Seller List. The book came with a new song, "(It) Feels So Good", released on May 10. This song reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tyler also worked on new Aerosmith music during his Idol breaks. He sang "Dream On" on the American Idol season finale.

On October 22, 2011, Tyler started an 18-date Aerosmith tour in Latin America and Japan. On October 25, he slipped in his hotel shower in Paraguay and hurt his face, losing several teeth. He was taken to the hospital, and the show was postponed. When he performed, he showed his broken tooth and a black eye.

Tyler performing "Dream On" on the piano at an Aerosmith concert in Chicago in June 2012

On January 22, 2012, Tyler sang the National Anthem at the AFC Championship Game. On March 11, 2012, a special about Aerosmith aired on 60 Minutes. On March 22, Joe Perry surprised Tyler with "Happy Birthday" on American Idol for Tyler's 64th birthday. On March 26, 2012, Aerosmith announced their "Global Warming Tour". Aerosmith's new album, Music from Another Dimension!, was released on November 6, 2012. The band performed their new song "Legendary Child" on the American Idol season finale.

On July 12, 2012, Steven Tyler announced he was leaving American Idol after two seasons. He said he was returning to his "first love, AEROSMITH." Reports suggested that American Idol bosses decided to let him go. Tyler later said his issues with his bandmates were why he joined American Idol. He was replaced by Keith Urban.

Steven Tyler (left) and Joe Perry (right) performing at the Nassau Coliseum on July 1, 2012

On August 12, Aerosmith finished the first part of their Global Warming Tour. On August 28, the band released two songs: "Lover Alot" and "What Could Have Been Love". On November 6, the new Aerosmith album Music from Another Dimension! was released. On November 8, the band started the second part of their Global Warming Tour. On January 21, 2013, Aerosmith released "Can't Stop Lovin' You" (with Carrie Underwood). Tyler briefly returned to American Idol in season 12. He auditioned dressed as a woman named "Pepper."

On February 20, 2013, it was announced that Steven Tyler and Joe Perry would receive the ASCAP Founders Award. Two days later, it was announced they would be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In April and May 2013, Aerosmith extended their Global Warming Tour to Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Singapore. This was the band's first time performing in Australia in 23 years, and their first time ever in the other three countries. Tyler also appeared in Moscow, Russia, on November 9 for the Miss Universe 2013 pageant as a judge. On May 30, Aerosmith performed at the "Boston Strong" charity concert for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. In the fall of 2013, Aerosmith toured Central and South America.

From May to June 2014, Tyler performed 15 shows with Aerosmith on the European part of the Global Warming Tour. This was followed by the Let Rock Rule Tour across North America.

Solo Album and Recent Tours

Tyler performing with backing band Loving Mary on his solo "Out on a Limb Tour" in Chicago, Illinois on August 13, 2016

On March 31, 2015, Steven Tyler said he was working on his first solo country album. On April 6, he signed a record deal with Scott Borchetta's Dot Records. On May 13, Tyler released the first song, "Love Is Your Name", from his upcoming album. He promoted the song on various TV shows. To reach more country music fans, Tyler appeared as himself in an episode of the TV show Nashville. He sang a cover of "Crazy" with Juliette Barnes.

On June 13, Tyler rejoined Aerosmith for the Blue Army Tour. This tour took the band to 17 places in North America. From fall 2015 to spring 2016, Tyler finished his solo album, We're All Somebody from Somewhere, which came out on July 15, 2016. He released two more songs from the album: "Red, White & You" and the title track. From July to September 2016, Tyler performed with his backing band Loving Mary on the Out on a Limb Tour.

Since December 2015, Steven Tyler and other Aerosmith bandmates have talked about a possible farewell tour starting in 2017. Joe Perry suggested the tour could last two years, and Tyler said it could last "forever." They also discussed making one last studio album.

Tyler performing in Thackerville, Oklahoma on August 25, 2017

From September to October 2016, Tyler rejoined Aerosmith for a nine-date tour of Latin America, called the Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Tour.

In April 2017, Tyler performed with Aerosmith in Phoenix, Arizona for the NCAA Final Four men's basketball tournament. He also played two solo shows in Japan. Tyler rejoined Aerosmith for a "farewell" tour of Europe in spring and summer 2017, called the Aero-Vederci Baby! Tour. After Europe, the band played in South America. However, the last few dates were canceled due to health issues. Tyler also performed some solo shows in 2017.

In January 2018, Steven Tyler hosted a gala for his charity "Janie's Fund." In February, he starred in a commercial for Kia Motors during Super Bowl LII. The ad showed Tyler as a race car driver going back in time, with Aerosmith's "Dream On" playing. In spring and summer 2018, Tyler played about two dozen concerts in North America and Europe with the Loving Mary Band.

On August 15, Tyler appeared with Aerosmith on NBC's Today show. They announced a residency in Las Vegas called "Deuces Are Wild". The band was set to play 50 shows from April 2019 to June 2020.

In March 2022, Aerosmith announced the return of the Deuces Are Wild residency. On May 24, 2022, the band said the June and July dates would be canceled. This was because Tyler checked into a rehab facility. The band shared that Tyler had a setback after foot surgery to prepare for the shows.

In August 2024, Aerosmith announced they would stop touring. This was because Steven Tyler could not fully recover from a fractured larynx.

Dirico Motorcycles

On September 15, 2007, Steven Tyler announced Dirico Motorcycles. Tyler designs these motorcycles, and they are built in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tyler has always loved motorcycles and riding. He also helps with charity auctions involving motorcycles, like the Ride for Children charity.

Steven Tyler's Public Views

In early 2013, a law called the Steven Tyler Act was proposed in Hawaii. This law would give more privacy to public figures like celebrities on vacation. Tyler and many other celebrities supported it. The law would let public figures sue photographers for taking unwanted pictures.

In August 2015, Aerosmith attended the first Republican Party presidential debate in Cleveland. Steven Tyler was a guest of candidate Donald Trump. Tyler's agent said he was there to promote his ideas for copyright reform.

Family Life

Steven Tyler had a brief relationship with model Bebe Buell. They had a daughter, actress Liv Tyler, born in 1977. Through Liv's relationships, Steven Tyler has three grandchildren.

In 1978, he married Cyrinda Foxe. She was a model and the former wife of New York Dolls' singer David Johansen. They had a daughter, model Mia Tyler, born on December 22, 1978. He and Foxe divorced in 1987. Foxe passed away in 2002.

On May 28, 1988, Steven Tyler married clothing designer Teresa Barrick. They had a daughter, Chelsea, in 1989, and a son, Taj, in 1991. In February 2005, they announced they were separating. Their divorce was finalized in January 2006. Tyler started a relationship with Erin Brady in 2006. They got engaged in December 2011 but ended it in January 2013.

Health Journey

In 2006, after a two-hour performance, Steven Tyler had an argument where he yelled. The next morning, his voice was hoarse. On March 22, 2006, it was reported that Tyler would have surgery for a medical condition. His publicist said doctors advised him to stop performing so his voice could recover. Aerosmith's remaining tour dates were canceled.

Doctors found a ruptured blood vessel in his throat. It was successfully sealed using a laser by Dr. Steven M. Zeitels. Tyler said, "He just took a laser and zapped the blood vessel." After a few weeks of rest, Tyler and Aerosmith began working on their new album.

Tyler's first public performance after surgery was on July 3–4, 2006. He performed with Joe Perry and the Boston Pops Orchestra. They sang "Dream On," "Walk This Way," and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." Tyler's throat surgery was shown in 2007 on a TV show called Incredible Human Machine.

In September 2023, Tyler hurt his voice during a concert on Aerosmith's farewell tour. In August 2024, the band had to cancel the tour and stop touring. This was because Tyler could not fully recover from the injury.

Music Albums

Studio Albums

Singles

Songs with Other Artists

Music Videos

Film and TV Appearances

Helping Others: Janie's Fund

Steven Tyler started Janie's Fund in 2015. It is named after Aerosmith's 1989 song "Janie's Got a Gun". This charity helps young female victims of abuse by providing protection and counseling. He has helped raise over $2.4 million for the organization. Janie's House, opened in 2017 in Atlanta, offers shelter for victims of abuse or neglect. It has space for 30 clients and 24-hour medical facilities.

Awards and Nominations

• Emmy Award nomination in 2011: – Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program – for playing the Mad Hatter on Wonder Pets: Adventures in Wonderland

See Also

In Spanish: Steven Tyler para niños