Aerosmith is the debut album by American rock band Aerosmith , released in January 1973 . The song "Walking the dog " is a cover song originally performed by Rufus Thomas. Also the single "Dream ON " became an American top ten single when re-released in 1976. "Dream On" was first released as a single in 1973. The album peaked at #21 on the Billboard 200 in 1976.