Famous Reading: Brad Whitford

Many high school kids hope to be a rock star, but, so far, one Reading Memorial High School alumni actually has.

Brad Whitford, best known for his role as a guitarist for Aerosmith, attended RMHS and played the trumpet for three years before he picked up his first guitar at the age of 14. At the age of 16, he joined his first band, Earth Incorporated.

After graduating, Whitford enrolled in Berklee College of Music and played with a string of unsuccessful bands before 1971, when Aerosmith pulled him in to replace its original guitarist, Ray Tabano.

The next year, the band recorded its debut, self-titled album which went double platinum on the strength of singles "Dream On" and "Mama Kin."

Aerosmith continued to produce multi-platinum albums through the mid-70s, with hits like "Walk This Way" and "Come Together," but the band's success tapered in the late 70s.

Whitford left to experiment with his own project, then dissolved it after a single album. He then toured with fellow Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry before both rejoined Aerosmith in 1984.

After Whitford rejoined the band, Aerosmith recorded five Billboard top-10 albums.

Today, the now-58-year-old Whitford still tours with Aerosmith, which is currently on its Aero Force One tour. The tour will stop at Fenway Park on Saturday, Aug. 14.