Bebe Buell has been a model, a rock 'n' roll muse, a Playboy Playmate, a singer, and a best-selling author, but one of her most defining roles has been that of a mother. Her journey through the vibrant and often tumultuous world of 1970s rock superstardom is a story of glamour, love, and fierce independence. Long before the world knew her as Liv Tyler's mother, Bebe Buell was a cultural force in her own right, a woman who navigated the epicenter of rock history and emerged with an enduring spirit that continues to captivate. Her life, marked by iconic relationships and a steadfast dedication to her family, offers a unique lens into an unforgettable era of music and culture.
From Virginia Belle to New York's 'It Girl'
Born Beverle Lorence Buell on July 14, 1953, in Portsmouth, Virginia, her early life was far removed from the rock arenas she would later frequent. After being discovered by a modeling agent as a teenager, she signed with the prestigious Ford Models agency at 17 and moved to New York City in 1971. With her striking looks—a blend of classic American beauty and burgeoning rock chic—Buell quickly became a fixture in the city's dynamic art and music scene. She wasn't just another model; she possessed a charisma and a genuine passion for music that drew people to her.
Her status as a top model was cemented in November 1974 when she appeared as the centerfold for Playboy magazine. The move was groundbreaking at the time; high-fashion models rarely crossed over into men's magazines. Buell, however, saw it as an act of empowerment and a way to control her own image. The pictorial, shot by her then-boyfriend Todd Rundgren, was artistic and celebrated her form, further elevating her profile and solidifying her reputation as a woman who played by her own rules.
The Heart of the Rock 'n' Roll Scene
Bebe Buell’s name became synonymous with the rock royalty of the 1970s and 80s. She wasn't a passive observer but an active participant and a source of inspiration. Rejecting the label often dismissively applied to women in her position, she established herself as a peer and confidante to some of the era's biggest stars. In her memoir, Rebel Heart: An American Rock 'n' Roll Journey, she addressed this directly, stating, "I don't like the word 'groupie.' I've always been a musician and a singer... I was a girl who loved music and the men who made it. I was a rock chick."
Her most significant relationships were with two musical geniuses who would shape her life profoundly:
- Todd Rundgren: The innovative musician and producer was Buell’s long-term, stable partner from 1972 to 1978. Their relationship was a cornerstone of her life during her meteoric rise, providing a semblance of home amidst the chaos of the rock world. Rundgren's influence was not just personal but also creative, as he supported her own artistic ambitions.
- Steven Tyler: Her brief but passionate affair with the Aerosmith frontman in the mid-1970s resulted in the birth of her daughter, Liv. Though their romance was fleeting, their connection would be lifelong, evolving into a deep, familial bond.
Beyond these two figures, her social and romantic circle included a veritable who's who of music history, with connections to Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, and Elvis Costello, among others. She was more than just a girlfriend or a muse; she was a trusted friend and a vibrant presence whose energy and love for the arts were infectious.
A Mother's Protection: The Story of Liv Tyler
Perhaps the most public and telling chapter of Bebe Buell's life revolves around her daughter, Liv, born in 1977. At the time of Liv's birth, Steven Tyler was deep in the throes of a well-documented drug addiction. Concerned for her daughter's well-being and seeking to provide a stable environment, Buell made a difficult decision. She and Todd Rundgren entered into a pact: Rundgren would claim paternity and raise Liv as his own daughter. For years, the world and Liv herself knew her as Liv Rundgren.
This act of protection defined Bebe Buell's role as a mother. She prioritized her child's stability over public disclosure, creating a loving and secure home with Rundgren. The truth eventually came to light when a young Liv, around the age of eight, noticed her striking resemblance to Steven Tyler and his other daughter, Mia. Buell handled the revelation with grace and honesty, and what could have been a traumatic event instead blossomed into a larger, blended family. Today, Liv Tyler shares a close, loving relationship with both her biological father, Steven Tyler, and the man who raised her, Todd Rundgren, a testament to the foundation of love and respect Bebe Buell cultivated.
Finding Her Own Voice: A Career in Music
While often celebrated for the men she inspired, Bebe Buell's own creative ambitions were a driving force throughout her life. She was not content to remain on the sidelines. In the early 1980s, she began her own music career, channeling her punk and new wave influences into her work. She formed the band The B-Sides, which released a four-song EP in 1981, and later, The Gargoyles.
Her music career has continued for decades, showcasing her raw energy and passion. She has released several solo albums and EPs, including *Covers Girl* (1981), *Retrosexual* (2009), and *Hard Love* (2011). Her sound is a powerful blend of garage rock, punk attitude, and pop sensibility, proving that her connection to music was always more than just appreciative—it was innate. Performing on stage, she commands attention with the same confidence and charisma that made her a star model decades earlier.
An Enduring Spirit: Life in Her 70s
Now in her early 70s, Bebe Buell's glamorous life and enduring spirit show no signs of fading. She resides in Nashville, Tennessee, a city steeped in music history, with her husband, musician and producer Jim Wallerstein. She remains active on social media, sharing glimpses into her life, memories from her past, and her unwavering support for her family. Her role as a grandmother to Liv Tyler's children has brought a new dimension to her life, one she embraces with joy and pride.
Bebe Buell's legacy is that of a trailblazer. She defied categorization at every turn, refusing to be limited to a single label. She was a model who broke barriers, a muse who was also an artist, and a mother who made selfless choices for her child. Her story is not just a footnote in the biographies of famous men; it is a compelling narrative of a woman who lived at the heart of a cultural revolution and crafted a life on her own terms. Bebe Buell Tyler's mother is, and always has been, an icon in her own right—a true rebel with an indelible spirit.
