The song was originally written and recorded in 1991 during the initial sessions for the Get a Grip album, but was never released.
Aerosmith debuted "Legendary Child" with a performance of the song on the season finale of the television show American Idol on May 23, 2012.
Nick Bassett of The Re-View referred to "Legendary Child" as "a brilliant single that could only be bettered if the frontman's trademark falsetto was put to greater use."
On October 20, 2012, as part of Pepsi's NFL Anthems project, Aerosmith released a rewritten version of "Legendary Child" titled, "Legendary Child - Patriots Anthem."
US Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks (Billboard) peak position 17, 2012.