In 1986, Run-D.M.C. reignited what rock band’s career by remaking their 1975 hit “Walk This Way”? Explained
In 1986, Run-D.M.C. reignited what rock band’s career by remaking their 1975 hit “Walk This Way”?
Answer: In 1986, the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. teamed up with the rock band Aerosmith to create a new version of Aerosmith’s 1975 hit “Walk This Way.” This collaboration was monumental because it bridged the gap between rock and hip-hop, bringing these two genres together in a way that had never been done before.
How It Happened:
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Original Song: “Walk This Way” was originally released by Aerosmith in 1975 on their album “Toys in the Attic.” Although moderately successful, it did not become a defining hit at the time.
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The Collaboration: In the mid-1980s, Run-D.M.C. decided to cover “Walk This Way” for their album “Raising Hell.” They worked with producer Rick Rubin, who encouraged the collaboration with Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.
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Impact: The remake incorporated elements from both rock and hip-hop. Steven Tyler’s powerful vocals and Joe Perry’s iconic guitar riffs were blended with Run-D.M.C.'s rap style. The music video, featuring a symbolic “breaking down” of walls between the two musical groups, became a hit on MTV.
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Reviving Aerosmith: This successful collaboration not only helped Run-D.M.C. reach a wider audience but also reignited Aerosmith’s career. Prior to this, Aerosmith had struggled with declining popularity and personal challenges.
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Cultural Significance: The song played a significant role in mainstreaming hip-hop and demonstrated the potential for cross-genre collaboration. It paved the way for future artists to experiment with blending diverse musical styles.
Summary: Run-D.M.C.'s 1986 remake of “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith not only revitalized Aerosmith’s career but also marked a significant moment in music history by merging rock and hip-hop, showing the power of innovative collaboration.