Patricia Lee Smith is an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter and author who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses. Called the "punk poet laureate", Smith fused rock and poetry in her work.
Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter and poet who was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 30th, 1946. She is best known as the “Godmother of Punk” due to her influence on the punk rock music scene. She began performing when she was 14 years old and gained a cult following for her music throughout the 1970s. Her debut album Horses (1975) solidified her status as one of the most influential rock singers of all time.
Smith grew up in New Jersey and moved to New York City in 1967 where she worked odd jobs while honing her songwriting skills. With the release of Horses, Smith's career took off and she released several albums throughout the 70s and 80s such as Radio Ethiopia (1976), Easter (1978), Wave (1979), and Dream of Life (1988).
Throughout her career, Smith has won numerous awards including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, and a National Book Award for her memoir Just Kids (2010). In addition to being an accomplished musician, Smith also serves as an activist promoting causes such as animal rights and environmental protection.
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1946</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Patti Smith is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On December 30, 1946, Patti Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois. Smith was born to Beverly Smith and Grant Smith.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1967</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Moves to New York City</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Moves to New York City with her sister, Linda, where she begins writing and performing poetry.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1971</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Forms the Patti Smith Group</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Forms a band and releases her debut album, Horses, which is considered one of the greatest albums of the 1970s.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1978</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Grammy Nomination</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Receives a Grammy nomination for her song “Because the Night”.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1996</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Becomes the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2007</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Receives National Book Award for Memoir Just Kids</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Receives the National Book Award for her memoir Just Kids.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2010</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted Into Songwriters Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Becomes the first ever female rock artist to be inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> She's a Pioneer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Patti Smith is a pioneer in the world of punk rock. She broke many barriers within the music industry and influenced the genre with her unique sound and style. Her music speaks to people from all walks of life and has been an inspiration for many.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> She's an Icon</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Patti Smith is an icon in the music industry. She has inspired generations of musicians with her unique style and powerful lyrics. From her early days with The Patti Smith Group to her later solo work, she has been an artist who continues to influence others.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> She's a Humanitarian</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Patti Smith is a humanitarian, advocating for a variety of causes including animal rights, environmental issues, and more. She actively participates in charity events and donates her time to organizations dedicated to making the world a better place.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> First Female Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Patti Smith was the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Wrote "Because The Night" with Bruce Springsteen</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Patti Smith co-wrote her hit song "Because The Night" with Bruce Springsteen, which went on to become one of her most successful singles.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Suffered from a Stutter</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">As a child, Patti Smith suffered from a stutter and found solace in music, which later became her salvation.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Earned a National Book Award</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Patti Smith is a talented writer, having earned a National Book Award for her memoir Just Kids in 2010.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> An Author and Photographer</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In addition to being a singer, Patti Smith is also an author and photographer. She has published several books and regularly shows her photography in galleries around the world.</p></div>