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Patti Smith: A Pioneer of Punk and Poetry

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Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who became a prominent figure in the New York City punk rock scene in the 1970s. Known for her powerful vocals, introspective lyrics, and androgynous style, Smith has been a influential figure in popular culture for over four decades.

Patti Smith: A Biography

by Nick Johnstone

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14236 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

Early Life and Career

Patricia Lee Smith was born on December 30, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Grant Smith, was a machinist, and her mother, Beverly Smith, was a jazz singer. Smith grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended Catholic school. She began writing poetry at a young age and was influenced by the works of beat poets such as Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs.

In 1967, Smith moved to New York City to pursue a career in art. She met Robert Mapplethorpe, a fellow artist, and the two became close friends and collaborators. Smith began performing her poetry at local clubs and open mics, and in 1975 she released her debut album, Horses.

Horses

Horses was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Smith as a major figure in the punk rock movement. The album featured the singles "Gloria" and "Land," which became anthems for the disenfranchised and alienated youth of the time. Smith's lyrics were raw and honest, and they dealt with themes of love, loss, and rebellion.

Horses was followed by a series of successful albums, including Radio Ethiopia (1976),Easter (1978),and Wave (1979). Smith's music continued to evolve throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and she experimented with different genres, including folk, rock, and electronica.

Later Career

In the 2000s and 2010s, Smith continued to release new music and tour extensively. She also published several books of poetry and prose, including Just Kids (2010),a memoir of her friendship with Robert Mapplethorpe.

In 2017, Smith was awarded the Polar Music Prize, one of the most prestigious music awards in the world. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Legacy

Patti Smith is one of the most important and influential figures in popular culture. Her music, poetry, and art have inspired generations of artists and fans. She is known for her powerful vocals, introspective lyrics, and androgynous style. Smith has been a pioneer for women in rock and roll, and she has used her platform to speak out against injustice and oppression.

Personal Life

Patti Smith has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Fred "Sonic" Smith, the guitarist for the band MC5. They had two children together, Jackson and Jesse. Fred Smith died of cancer in 1994. Smith later married Lenny Kaye, a guitarist who has been a member of her band since the early days.

Discography

* Horses (1975) * Radio Ethiopia (1976) * Easter (1978) * Wave (1979) * Dream of Life (1988) * Gone Again (1996) * Peace and Noise (1997) * Gung Ho (2000) * Twelve (2007) * Banga (2012) * Horses/Horses (2014) * Mtrain (2017)

Bibliography

* Seventh Heaven (1972) * Witt (1973) * Ha! Ha! Houdini! (1977) * Babel (1978) * Woolgathering (1992) * Auguries of Innocence (2005) * Just Kids (2010) * M Train (2015)

Awards and Honors

* Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female (1998) * Polar Music Prize (2017) * Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2007) * Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2016) * National Book Award for Nonfiction (2010)

Image Descriptions

* **Image 1:** A black and white photograph of Patti Smith performing on stage. She is wearing a white dress and her hair is pulled back in a ponytail. * **Image 2:** A color photograph of Patti Smith standing in front of a microphone. She is wearing a black dress and her hair is pulled back in a bun. * **Image 3:** A black and white photograph of Patti Smith signing a book. She is wearing a dark suit and her hair is pulled back in a bun.

Patti Smith: A Biography

by Nick Johnstone

4.1 out of 5