Patti Smith

Patti Smith - Singers, Timeline and Childhood

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Patti Smith Biography Stories 

Patti Smith's Personal Details

Patti Smith is a legendary lyricist and punk rock musician

InformationDetail
BirthdayDecember 30, 1946
NationalityAmerican
FamousPhilanthropists, Musicians, Singers, Writers
City/StateIllinois
SpousesFred Sonic Smith (m. 1980–1994)
SiblingsTodd
Known asPatricia Lee Smith
ChildrensJackson Smith, Jesse Smith
Birth PlaceChicago, Illinois, USA
Height173
GenderFemale
FatherBeverly
MotherGrant
Net Worth$15 Million as of Jan 15,2017
Sun SignCapricorn
Born inChicago, Illinois, USA
Famous asSinger

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Patti Smith's photo

Who is Patti Smith?

If you are of the belief that rock and roll is only about music and no poetry, and poetry only about verses and no music, you are in for a surprise, for the Godmother of Punk, has redefined poetry and rock and roll and explicitly determined the inter-connection between the two. Surprised maybe handful who have not listened to Patti Smith while the rest specifically know what we are talking about! Patti Smith is one of the pioneers of punk rock music who changed the way female rock stars were looked upon by the world. A trailblazer in her own right, she, with her soulful yet powerful lyrical talent, made the poetic connotations sound sweeter than the notes of guitar in the sphere of rock and roll. It was through her impeccable style and strong talented approach that she transformed the thought processes and dreams of an entire generation. An influential singer-songwriter and musician, she shot to fame with her 1975 released debut album ‘Horses’. Her single, ‘Because the Night’ brought her international acclaim and recognition. Over the years, she has contributed heavily in rock music for which she has been the proud recipient of numerous honors. To know more about her life and profile, read on.

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Childhood & Early Life

Patti Smith was the eldest of the four children born to Beverly Smith and Grant Smith. While her mother was a waitress, her father was employed as a machinist at Honeywell plant.

In 1950, the family moved to Philadelphia and six years later to Woodbury, New Jersey. As a child, she was shy and introvert. She mostly had a tomboyish attitude and indulged in playing with her male friends, until her teacher taught her the importance and aspects of femininity.

She completed her preliminary education from Deptford Township High School in 1964. Thereafter, she took up a job at a toy factory. Her experience at the factory was a gruelling one which later formed the theme of her first single, ‘Piss Factory’.

In the fall of 1964, she enrolled at the Glassboro State Teachers College with an intention to become a high school art teacher. However, poor academic performance and her continuous insistence to break away from the traditional curriculum to focus on the experimental artists led to her dropping out of the same.

With an aim to become an artist, she moved to New York in 1967. To earn a livelihood for herself, she took up a job at a Manhattan bookstore. It was there that she befriended Robert Mapplethorpe, a photographer.

In 1969, she moved to Paris but for only sometime. Therein, she indulged in performance art. Returning to New York, she took up a couple of assignments. While she provided spoken word soundtrack for a film, ‘Robert Having His Nipple Pierced’, she was cast opposite Wayne County in Jackie Curtis play, ‘Femme Fatale’.

Career

The start of the decade of 1970s witnessed her being involved in painting, writing and performing. Performance poetry was her favourite medium of artistic expression. She gave her first public reading, on February 10, 1971 at St. Mark's Church in the Bowery.

The success of her performance at St. Marks made her an the newest talent too look out for in the New York arts circle. Polishing her reputation further, she co-authored and co-starred with Sam Shepard in his semiautobiographical play ‘Cowboy Mouth’.

Concentrating on her writing career, she published her first book of poetry in 1972. Though the book, ‘Seventh Heaven’ did not get the sales number soaring, it did earn flattering remarks from audience. Additionally, she wrote two more works, including ‘Early Morning Dream’ and ‘Witt’, both of which was praised.

She wrote lyrics for several songs by the band, Blue �yster Cult, such as ‘Debbie Denise’, ‘Baby Ice Dog’, ‘Career of Evil’, ‘Fire of Unknown Origin’, ‘The Revenge of Vera Gemini’ and ‘Shooting Shark’.

She even contributed for rock journalism for various magazines some worth mentioning include Creem and Rolling Stone. Moving on from writing, she tried her luck at rock and roll for her lyric poetry.

Later, in 1974, she formed her own band, The Patti Smith Group and came up with her first ever recorded single, title ‘Piss Factory’. Popularly tagged as the first purest punk song, the track garnered a cult following and was immensely appreciated by critics and the people.

The following year, she signed a record deal with Arista Records. Same year, she came up with her debut album, ‘Horses’. The album included the famous singles, ‘Gloria’ and ‘Land of Thousand Dances’. The energetic music and soulful lyrics won the hearts of millions of fans and critics across the world.

In 1976, the Patti Smith Group released their second album, ‘Radio Ethiopia’. The album was well received and paved way for a third in the offering titled, ‘Easter’. It included the super hit track, ‘Because the Night’. Her fourth album, ‘Wave’, released in 1979, did not repeat the success story of its predecessors.

Post release of the album ‘Wave’, she took a 17 year hiatus from professional and public life and immersed herself to taking care of her family and rearing children. In between, she came up with the album, ‘Dream of Life’ in 1988 along with her husband. The magic failed to work and the album was a dud commercially.

The death of her husband in 1994, followed by the deaths of her brother Todd and keyboard player Richard Sohl, propelled her to revive her music career. Further encouraged by old friends, she set out to take a tour with Bob Dylan in December 1995.

In the subsequent year, she reconciled with her former colleagues to come up with the album, ‘Gone Again’ which featured the singles, ‘About a Boy’, ‘Summer Cannibals’ and ‘Wicked Messenger’. Additionally, she collaborated with Stipe for the song ‘E-Bow the Letter’.

Post the success of ‘Gone Again’, she came up with her next album in 1997, titled, “Peace and Noise’. Three years later, the album ‘Gung Ho’ was released. Much like her albums before the hiatus, these were also critically and commercially hit. Songs ‘1959’ and ‘Glitter in the Eyes’ from the albums received Grammy nomination for her.

In 2004, she came up with her subsequent album, ‘Trampin’ under Columbia Records, which was to become the sister label for Arista Records. The album was a tribute to her mother who had passed away in 2002 and thus included songs about motherhood.

In 2005, she along with members of the Patti Smith Group, re-united for a live performance of their album, ‘Horses’. A recorded version of the same was made available to public the following year.

In 2006, many of her artistic works were exhibited at Trolley Gallery, London in the exhibition, ‘Sur les Traces’, the proceedings of which she donated to raise awareness for publication of Double Blind. In 2008, her artwork Land 250 was exhibited in Paris by the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain.

In 2009, she played an open-air concert in Florence’s Piazza Santa Croce. Following year, she released the book, ‘Just Kids’, which describes Manhattan of the 1970s and highlights her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe. The superb reception of the book led it to win the National Book Award in the category of Nonfiction.

In 2010, she made a cameo appearance in the film, ‘Socialisme’, which was screened at the 2010 Cannes Festival. Following year, she made her television acting debut on the TV series ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ for the episode, ‘Icarus’.

She released her latest album, ‘Banga’ in June 2012. The album was critically praised and marvelled at as it depicted her traditional style of mixing poetry with rock. Same year, she provided lead vocals for the title track of the album, ‘Helen Burns’

Currently, she is working on a crime novel which is based in London and Gothenburg, Sweden. Her deep rooted love for detective stories since an early age led to her writing a book in the genre.

Major Works

Her 1975 released debut album, ‘Horses’ under the band ‘The Patti Smith Group’ was a major critical and commercial success. The album was very well received for its energetic disposition, soulful lyrics and skilful wordplay. The songs, ‘Gloria’ and ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ emerged as the top contenders. Critics claimed the album to be the purest punk rock album and a must-inclusion in the list of ‘best albums of all time’.

Awards & Achievements

She was conferred with the French decoration of Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the Ministry of Culture on February 10, 2005. Later in November, she received the Woman of Valor Award from ROCKRGRL Magazine.

In 2007, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She is the proud recipient of the Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute on May 17, 2010. Same year, she won National Book Award for her memoirs, ‘Just Kids’. In 2011, she won the Polar Music Prize for her contribution to art.

In 2013, she was presented with the Katharine Hepburn Medal by Bryn Mawr College. Same year, she was greeted by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square.

Personal Life & Legacy

She developed an intense romantic liaison with Robert Mapplethorpe. The relationship was outlined with extreme poverty and Mapplethorpe’s struggle with his own sexuality.

The relationship ended when Mapplethorpe realised he was a homosexual. Though their romantic association ended, they remained friends until the latter’s death in 1989. Also they were artistic partners all through.

From the beginning of the decade of 1970s, she was romantically involved with Blues �yster Cult keyboardist, Allen Lanier. She separated from him in 1979.

She had an affair with Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith, former guitar player for Detroit rock band MC5 with whom she married. The couple was blessed with a son, Jackson. Smith passed away in 1994.

Trivia

This American singer-songwriter of ‘Because the Night’ fame married Fred ‘Sonic’ Scott. It was rumoured that she married him only because she would not have to change her surname later.

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Patti Smith biography timelines

  • // 30th Dec 1946
    Patti Smith was the eldest of the four children born to Beverly Smith and Grant Smith. While her mother was a waitress, her father was employed as a machinist at Honeywell plant.
  • // 1950
    In 1950, the family moved to Philadelphia and six years later to Woodbury, New Jersey. As a child, she was shy and introvert. She mostly had a tomboyish attitude and indulged in playing with her male friends, until her teacher taught her the importance and aspects of femininity.
  • // 1964
    She completed her preliminary education from Deptford Township High School in 1964. Thereafter, she took up a job at a toy factory. Her experience at the factory was a gruelling one which later formed the theme of her first single, ‘Piss Factory’.
  • // 1964
    In the fall of 1964, she enrolled at the Glassboro State Teachers College with an intention to become a high school art teacher. However, poor academic performance and her continuous insistence to break away from the traditional curriculum to focus on the experimental artists led to her dropping out of the same.
  • // 1967
    With an aim to become an artist, she moved to New York in 1967. To earn a livelihood for herself, she took up a job at a Manhattan bookstore. It was there that she befriended Robert Mapplethorpe, a photographer.
  • // 1969
    In 1969, she moved to Paris but for only sometime. Therein, she indulged in performance art. Returning to New York, she took up a couple of assignments. While she provided spoken word soundtrack for a film, ‘Robert Having His Nipple Pierced’, she was cast opposite Wayne County in Jackie Curtis play, ‘Femme Fatale’.
  • // 1972
    Concentrating on her writing career, she published her first book of poetry in 1972. Though the book, ‘Seventh Heaven’ did not get the sales number soaring, it did earn flattering remarks from audience. Additionally, she wrote two more works, including ‘Early Morning Dream’ and ‘Witt’, both of which was praised.
  • // 1974
    Later, in 1974, she formed her own band, The Patti Smith Group and came up with her first ever recorded single, title ‘Piss Factory’. Popularly tagged as the first purest punk song, the track garnered a cult following and was immensely appreciated by critics and the people.
  • // 1975
    Her 1975 released debut album, ‘Horses’ under the band ‘The Patti Smith Group’ was a major critical and commercial success. The album was very well received for its energetic disposition, soulful lyrics and skilful wordplay. The songs, ‘Gloria’ and ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ emerged as the top contenders. Critics claimed the album to be the purest punk rock album and a must-inclusion in the list of ‘best albums of all time’.
  • // 1976
    In 1976, the Patti Smith Group released their second album, ‘Radio Ethiopia’. The album was well received and paved way for a third in the offering titled, ‘Easter’. It included the super hit track, ‘Because the Night’. Her fourth album, ‘Wave’, released in 1979, did not repeat the success story of its predecessors.
  • // 1988
    Post release of the album ‘Wave’, she took a 17 year hiatus from professional and public life and immersed herself to taking care of her family and rearing children. In between, she came up with the album, ‘Dream of Life’ in 1988 along with her husband. The magic failed to work and the album was a dud commercially.
  • // 1994
    The death of her husband in 1994, followed by the deaths of her brother Todd and keyboard player Richard Sohl, propelled her to revive her music career. Further encouraged by old friends, she set out to take a tour with Bob Dylan in December 1995.
  • // 1997
    Post the success of ‘Gone Again’, she came up with her next album in 1997, titled, “Peace and Noise’. Three years later, the album ‘Gung Ho’ was released. Much like her albums before the hiatus, these were also critically and commercially hit. Songs ‘1959’ and ‘Glitter in the Eyes’ from the albums received Grammy nomination for her.
  • // 2004
    In 2004, she came up with her subsequent album, ‘Trampin’ under Columbia Records, which was to become the sister label for Arista Records. The album was a tribute to her mother who had passed away in 2002 and thus included songs about motherhood.
  • // 2005
    In 2005, she along with members of the Patti Smith Group, re-united for a live performance of their album, ‘Horses’. A recorded version of the same was made available to public the following year.
  • // 2005
    She was conferred with the French decoration of Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the Ministry of Culture on February 10, 2005. Later in November, she received the Woman of Valor Award from ROCKRGRL Magazine.
  • // 2006
    In 2006, many of her artistic works were exhibited at Trolley Gallery, London in the exhibition, ‘Sur les Traces’, the proceedings of which she donated to raise awareness for publication of Double Blind. In 2008, her artwork Land 250 was exhibited in Paris by the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain.
  • // 2007
    In 2007, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • // 2009
    In 2009, she played an open-air concert in Florence’s Piazza Santa Croce. Following year, she released the book, ‘Just Kids’, which describes Manhattan of the 1970s and highlights her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe. The superb reception of the book led it to win the National Book Award in the category of Nonfiction.
  • // 2010
    In 2010, she made a cameo appearance in the film, ‘Socialisme’, which was screened at the 2010 Cannes Festival. Following year, she made her television acting debut on the TV series ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ for the episode, ‘Icarus’.
  • // 2010
    She is the proud recipient of the Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute on May 17, 2010. Same year, she won National Book Award for her memoirs, ‘Just Kids’. In 2011, she won the Polar Music Prize for her contribution to art.
  • // 2012
    She released her latest album, ‘Banga’ in June 2012. The album was critically praised and marvelled at as it depicted her traditional style of mixing poetry with rock. Same year, she provided lead vocals for the title track of the album, ‘Helen Burns’
  • // 2013
    In 2013, she was presented with the Katharine Hepburn Medal by Bryn Mawr College. Same year, she was greeted by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square.

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Patti Smith's FAQ

  • What is Patti Smith birthday?

    Patti Smith was born at 1946-12-30

  • Where is Patti Smith's birth place?

    Patti Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA

  • What is Patti Smith nationalities?

    Patti Smith's nationalities is American

  • Who is Patti Smith spouses?

    Patti Smith's spouses is Fred Sonic Smith (m. 1980–1994)

  • Who is Patti Smith siblings?

    Patti Smith's siblings is Todd

  • Who is Patti Smith childrens?

    Patti Smith's childrens is Jackson Smith, Jesse Smith

  • How tall is Patti Smith?

    Patti Smith's height is 173

  • Who is Patti Smith's father?

    Patti Smith's father is Beverly

  • Who is Patti Smith's mother?

    Patti Smith's mother is Grant

  • What is Patti Smith's sun sign?

    Patti Smith is Capricorn

  • How famous is Patti Smith?

    Patti Smith is famouse as Singer