Patti Smith

Patti Smith, born Patricia Lee Smith on December 30, 1946, in Chicago, is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who became a defining figure in punk rock. Raised in New Jersey, she gravitated toward poetry and rock culture, eventually relocating to New York to immerse herself in the vibrant 1970s art scene. She rose to prominence with her debut album Horses (1975), a blend of poetry and raw rock that became a cornerstone of punk music. Her follow-up album Easter (1978) featured the hit “Because the Night,” solidifying her global influence. After a hiatus dedicated to family life, she returned to music following the death of her husband Fred "Sonic" Smith and continued to release albums and perform. Beyond music, Patti is acclaimed for her literary work—her memoir Just Kids (2010) won the National Book Award. She continued writing with M Train (2015) and Year of the Monkey (2019). A committed social activist, she advocates for environmentalism, peace, and social justice, weaving empathy and freedom into her creative work.