Patti Smith

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4 Feb 2024

Patti Smith

Patricia Lee Smith, born on December 30, 1946, is a multi-talented American artist celebrated for her contributions as a singer, songwriter, poet, painter, and author. Her groundbreaking 1975 debut album, "Horses," propelled her to the forefront of the New York City punk rock movement of the 1970s, solidifying her status as an influential figure.

Smith's artistry transcends conventional boundaries, seamlessly blending rock music with poetry in her creative endeavors. In 1978, her collaboration with Bruce Springsteen yielded the widely acclaimed song "Because the Night," which soared to 13th place on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached fifth place on the UK Singles Chart, cementing her place in musical history.

Acknowledging her immense contributions to the arts, Smith was honored as a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2005. Two years later, she received one of the highest accolades in the music industry with her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

In November 2010, Smith's memoir, "Just Kids," captured the prestigious National Book Award, fulfilling a heartfelt promise she made to her former long-time partner, Robert Mapplethorpe, to chronicle their shared journey. Her impact on the cultural landscape is further underscored by her inclusion as the 47th greatest artist of all time in Rolling Stone magazine's esteemed list published in 2010. Furthermore, she was bestowed with the esteemed Polar Music Prize in 2011, a testament to her enduring influence and creative brilliance.

Born on December 30, 1946, at Grant Hospital in Chicago's Lincoln Park, Patricia Lee Smith emerged into the world as the eldest child of Beverly and Grant Smith. Her mother, a former jazz singer turned waitress, and her father, a Honeywell machinist, laid the foundation for Smith's upbringing in a household rich with music and heritage, boasting part Irish ancestry. Alongside siblings Linda, Kimberly, and Todd, Smith navigated a dynamic family life marked by transitions.

At the tender age of four, the Smith family embarked on a series of moves, transitioning from Chicago to Philadelphia's Germantown before settling in Pitman, New Jersey, and ultimately finding solace in the Woodbury Gardens section of Deptford Township, New Jersey. Despite the geographical shifts, music remained a constant presence in Smith's life, with her mother's eclectic taste introducing her to the sounds of Harry Belafonte and the harmonies of Patience and Prudence. Notably, Bob Dylan's groundbreaking fourth album, "Another Side of Bob Dylan," left an indelible imprint on her musical psyche, gifted by her mother.

In 1964, Smith graduated from Deptford Township High School, marking the culmination of her formative years. Opting for a different path, she ventured into the workforce, briefly exploring factory work before pursuing higher education at Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University, in Glassboro, New Jersey. These early experiences laid the groundwork for Smith's transformative journey as an artist, fueling her creative passions and shaping her artistic identity.

In 1973, Patricia Lee Smith reunited with musician and rock archivist Lenny Kaye, laying the foundation for a musical journey that would redefine the landscape of punk rock. Joined by the talented pianist Richard Sohl, the trio embarked on a sonic exploration that would soon blossom into a full-fledged band with the additions of Ivan Král on guitar and bass, and Jay Dee Daugherty on drums.

Král's arrival to the group added a unique dimension, his personal narrative intertwined with the socio-political upheavals of the time. As a refugee from Czechoslovakia, Král's decision to remain in the United States following the Soviet invasion of his homeland in 1968 added depth to the band's collective story.

Fuelled by the vision and support of benefactor Sam Wagstaff, the band embarked on their inaugural recording journey, culminating in the release of their first single, "Hey Joe/Piss Factory," in 1974. The A-side, a reimagined rendition of the rock classic "Hey Joe," intertwined with a poignant spoken word piece reflecting on the enigmatic Patty Hearst, captured the essence of the band's rebellious spirit. Meanwhile, the B-side delved into Smith's poignant reflections on her factory assembly line experiences and her yearning for salvation amidst the allure of New York City.

In a poignant revelation of her artistic influences, Smith shared her profound connection to the poetry of Rimbaud, whose ethereal words echoed within the corridors of her imagination, shaping her artistic identity and aspirations.

As their journey unfolded, Smith's poetic prowess found new expression in collaborations beyond the band's confines. In a captivating performance, she lent her voice to "I Wake Up Screaming," a haunting poem featured on The Doors' Ray Manzarek's album "The Whole Thing Started with Rock & Roll Now It's Out of Control," showcasing the breadth of her artistic versatility and the resonance of her lyrical depth.

Amidst the evolving landscape of rock music, Smith and her bandmates carved a path defined by authenticity, rebellion, and unbridled creativity, laying the groundwork for a musical revolution that would reverberate through the corridors of time.

In March 1975, the nascent energy of punk rock converged at CBGB in New York City as the Patti Smith Group embarked on a transformative journey, sharing the stage with fellow luminaries like Television. Their electrifying performances caught the attention of Clive Davis, propelling them into the spotlight with a coveted record deal under Arista Records.

Amidst this whirlwind of momentum, the Patti Smith Group ventured into the studio to record their seminal debut album, "Horses," under the guidance of producer John Cale. Infused with a potent blend of punk rock fervor and spoken poetry, the album's iconic opening, a cover of Van Morrison's "Gloria," reverberated with Smith's incendiary declaration: "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine," a proclamation echoing the rebellious spirit of her early poems. The stark, evocative cover photograph by Mapplethorpe captured the essence of the band's raw intensity, solidifying its place as a timeless emblem of rock culture.

As punk rock gained momentum, the Patti Smith Group embarked on a relentless tour across the United States and Europe, channeling the raw energy of their sophomore album, "Radio Ethiopia." Despite initial lukewarm reception, the album's visceral sound, influenced by the revolutionary spirit of bands like MC5, left an indelible mark on the landscape of punk rock.

However, tragedy struck in January 1977, as Smith suffered a harrowing fall during a performance in Tampa, Florida, plunging 15 feet into a concrete orchestra pit and fracturing several cervical vertebrae. The ensuing period of recovery became a crucible of introspection, enabling Smith to realign her artistic vision and renew her commitment to her craft.

Undeterred by adversity, the Patti Smith Group continued to push boundaries, releasing albums like "Easter" in 1978, which yielded their breakthrough single, "Because the Night," a collaborative effort with Bruce Springsteen. Despite commercial success, subsequent albums like "Wave" in 1979 faced mixed reception, marking a transitional period for Smith as she navigated personal and artistic evolution.

Throughout the 1980s, Smith found solace in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, embracing a semi-retired existence amidst the embrace of family. Yet, her creative spirit remained restless, beckoning her back to the vibrant streets of New York City, where her indomitable legacy as a pioneering force in rock and poetry continued to thrive, inspiring generations with her unapologetic voice and uncompromising vision.