Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Patti Smith
December 30, 1946
Chicago, Illinois, US
79 Years Old
Capricorn
Who Is Patti Smith?
Patricia Lee Smith is an American singer-songwriter and poet, recognized for her raw, intellectual style and profound influence on punk rock. Her artistic output consistently blends lyrical depth with energetic performance, forging a unique voice that defied convention.
Her breakout arrived with the 1975 debut album, Horses, which fused spoken word with a potent rock sound. This landmark work established her as a pivotal figure in New York City’s burgeoning punk scene.
Early Life and Education
Family life in Chicago and later New Jersey shaped Patti Smith’s early years, with her mother, Beverly, a former jazz singer, and father, Grant, a factory machinist. She was the eldest of four children and experienced frequent family moves.
Smith attended Deptford Township High School, graduating in 1964, and briefly enrolled in Glassboro State College. She developed an early interest in art and literature, foreshadowing her groundbreaking career as a poet and musician.
Notable Relationships
A long-term arc of profound connections has shaped Patti Smith's personal narrative, most notably her enduring bond and artistic collaboration with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. She later married Fred “Sonic” Smith, a guitarist, in 1980.
Smith was married to Fred “Sonic” Smith until his death in 1994, with whom she shares two children, Jackson Smith and Jesse Smith. She has not publicly remarried since his passing.
Career Highlights
Patti Smith’s iconic debut album Horses, released in 1975, remains a seminal work that blended rock and poetry, profoundly shaping the punk rock movement. This groundbreaking record solidified her artistic vision and widespread impact.
Her ventures also extended into acclaimed literature, with her memoir Just Kids winning the National Book Award in 2010. Smith has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She has collected multiple honors, including being named a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France's Ministry of Culture. Smith continues to inspire as a multifaceted artist across several mediums.
Signature Quote
"I had written the line some years before as a declaration of existence, as a vow to take responsibility for my own actions."