Patti Smith

Biography

Patti Smith, born Patricia Lee Smith on December 30, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American singer, songwriter, poet, and artist who became a seminal figure in the New York City punk rock movement. Raised in New Jersey after her family moved from Chicago and Philadelphia, Smith was exposed to music and literature from a young age, developing a fascination with artists and poets such as Arthur Rimbaud and Bob Dylan. After high school, she briefly attended college and worked in a factory before moving to New York City in 1967, where she immersed herself in the city's vibrant countercultural scene.

Smith began her career performing spoken word poetry, often blending it with music, and soon formed the Patti Smith Group in 1974. Their debut album, 'Horses' (1975), produced by John Cale, fused raw punk energy with poetic lyricism and became a landmark release, establishing Smith as a pioneering force in proto-punk and alternative music. Her most commercially successful single, 'Because the Night,' co-written with Bruce Springsteen, appeared on the 1978 album 'Easter.' Smith's work is characterized by its fusion of rock and poetry, challenging gender norms and expanding the possibilities for women in rock music.

After a period of semi-retirement in the 1980s, during which she lived in Michigan with her husband, Fred 'Sonic' Smith of MC5, she returned to music following his death in 1994. Smith has since continued to record, perform, and publish acclaimed books, including her National Book Award-winning memoir 'Just Kids.' Her influence on punk, alternative rock, and feminist artistry is profound, earning her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recognition as one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Fun Facts

• Patti Smith's debut album 'Horses' features an iconic cover photograph taken by her close friend, artist Robert Mapplethorpe.
• She won the National Book Award in 2010 for her memoir 'Just Kids,' which chronicles her relationship with Mapplethorpe.
• Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and received France's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2005.
• She suffered a serious neck injury in 1977 after falling off a stage, which led to a period of reflection and recovery.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Arthur Rimbaud - Smith was deeply inspired by the French poet's rebellious spirit and symbolism, which influenced her own poetic style and themes. (Referenced throughout her poetry and lyrics, especially in 'Horses') [1960s–present]
• Bob Dylan - Dylan's lyrical innovation and blending of poetry with music were formative influences on Smith's songwriting. (Inspired by Dylan's 'Another Side of Bob Dylan' album) [1960s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Lenny Kaye - Longtime guitarist and musical collaborator; founding member of the Patti Smith Group. (All Patti Smith Group albums, notably 'Horses', 'Easter', 'Wave') [1974–present]
• Bruce Springsteen - Co-wrote the hit single 'Because the Night' with Smith. ('Because the Night' (1978, on 'Easter')) [1978]
• Fred 'Sonic' Smith - Husband and creative partner; former guitarist of MC5; collaborated on later solo albums. ('Dream of Life' (1988) and other solo works) [1980–1994]
• Robert Mapplethorpe - Close friend and artistic collaborator; photographed the iconic cover of 'Horses'. ('Horses' album cover) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) - Stipe has cited Smith as a major inspiration for his own approach to lyricism and performance. (R.E.M.'s poetic lyrics and alternative ethos) [1980s–present]
• Courtney Love - Love has acknowledged Smith's influence on her songwriting and persona, especially in challenging gender roles in rock. (Hole's albums, particularly 'Live Through This') [1990s–present]
• Madonna - Madonna has credited Smith as a trailblazer who paved the way for women in popular music. (Madonna's early work and public persona) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Because the Night (Easter)
2. Dancing Barefoot (Wave)
3. Because the Night (Easter)
4. Redondo Beach (Horses (Legacy Edition))
5. Because the Night
6. Gloria: In Excelsis Deo (Horses (Legacy Edition))
7. People Have the Power (Dream Of Life)
8. Frederick (Wave)
9. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Radio Edit
10. Free Money (Horses (Legacy Edition))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia