'70s Rocker and One of the 'Best Guitarists' of All Time Turns 72
Some rock careers are defined by one band, while others stretch across decades of unexpected turns.
Jimmy Crespo belongs in the second group. The guitarist, best known for his years with Aerosmith, turns 72 on July 5 after building a career that placed him alongside some of rock's biggest names.
Crespo was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1954 and went on to become one of the guitarists who helped carry Aerosmith through a difficult but important chapter. He served as the band's lead guitarist from 1979 to 1984, stepping in after Joe Perry's departure and contributing to the group's 1982 album Rock in a Hard Place.
That period put Crespo in a rare position. Aerosmith had already become one of the biggest American rock bands of the 1970s, and joining the group meant entering a legacy that was still very much alive, even as the band was going through major changes.
Still, Crespo's playing helped define that era of Aerosmith's sound. His guitar work brought a hard rock edge to the band during a transitional stretch, demonstrating the kind of skill and confidence needed to stand out in a group already known for its powerful guitar presence.
His work also earned praise from one of rock's most recognizable frontmen. According to Vintage Guitar, Steven Tyler once called Crespo "One of the best guitarists I've ever known," while the publication described his playing as "a textbook study in classic hard rock."
Beyond Aerosmith, Crespo built the kind of career that made him more than just a former member of one famous band. Vintage Guitar noted that he performed or recorded with artists including Bernie Taupin, Stevie Nicks, Julian Lennon, Billy Squier and Rod Stewart. His official website also lists work with Meat Loaf, Dee Snider and Lita Ford, showing how widely his guitar work traveled across rock.
That long list of credits reflects what made Crespo's career so durable. Whether he was stepping into a massive band, supporting major artists or continuing his own projects, he remained connected to the sound of classic hard rock.
Now turning 72, Crespo's legacy stands as a reminder of the musicians who helped keep rock moving through its most unpredictable eras. His time with Aerosmith may be the chapter fans know best, but his decades of work across rock show a guitarist whose influence was never limited to one band.
Related: Founding Member of Iconic '70s Rock Band Turns 70
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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 7:03 PM.