Patti Smith’s influential blend of poetry and rock music has left an indelible mark on our culture, making her one of the greatest living examples of creative freedom and following your dreams. She stands as an emblem of artistic expression as well as personal reward when following one’s passions.
After making her mark as a musician for over a decade, Smith decided to transition and focus more heavily on writing. She has published multiple books including Just Kids – her memoir chronicling her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe – as well as other literary pieces.
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Early Life and Education
After making her mark as one of the founding figures of punk rock music in the ’70s and ’80s, Smith took time off music in order to focus on family. She started publishing memoirs; one titled “Just Kids” won a National Book Award.
This book details her New York City youth as a starving artist, her closeness with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, and their collaboration. This period helped shape her artistic sensibilities, leading her to collaborate with Oliver Ray and MC5 guitarist Fred Smith as musicians; furthermore she is well known for her spoken-word performances at both Whitney and Guggenheim museums.
Professional Career
Smith is an influential pioneer of punk rock music and an accomplished musician and writer known for her unique blend of rock music with poetic lyrics that fuse art together.
Beginning as a performance poet, she later rose to prominence in music as part of Lenny Kaye’s New York Dolls band. Influenced by Beat Generation music, her poetry and songs became influential for new wave bands like Blondie.
After reaching musical success, Smith decided to focus on writing. Her memoir Just Kids won a National Book Award in 2010. Since then she has published various collections of poetry books such as Seventh Heaven, Witt A Book Of Days And Woolgathering.
Achievement and Honors
Smith is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential female rock artists and an innovator of punk music. Her 1975 album Horses was honored with induction into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry; furthermore she’s an author – winning multiple National Book Awards including Just Kids which received praise in 2010.
After her divorce from MC5 guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith in the late 70s, Smith disappeared from public view until making a comeback with albums such as Gone Again, Easter, Dream of Life and Banga in 1981-84. Additionally she has published poems such as Strange Messenger and Auguries of Innocence collections as well as displayed her drawings at galleries and museums worldwide.
She holds the distinction of Commandeur des Arts et Lettres from France’s Ministry of Culture, and holds honorary doctorate degrees from Rowan University and Pratt Institute. Additionally, she continues touring and working as a visual artist.
Personal Life
Patti Smith has long been involved with various human rights organizations and written several protest songs. Additionally, she donates money to charity. Patti has amassed considerable wealth through rock music, poetry and art careers over her lifetime.
As a 1967 graduate of Deptford Township High School and Glassboro State College student, she moved to New York City where she met photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and launched a career in performance art and writing. Here she met Robert Mapplethorpe who she soon after met and began performing as well as publishing three poetry books; Creem magazine even published articles she had written for them!
She has had a complicated love life, giving up one daughter for adoption. She has lived all over, including Malibu’s Paradise Cove neighborhood where she now owns a home.
Net Worth
Patti Smith is an iconic musician and author who has made significant contributions to the evolution of punk rock. Her songs have inspired numerous bands, while she’s written several books – such as Just Kids – detailing her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Her albums have sold well while she has traveled widely as an accomplished singer-songwriter.
Smith has participated in multiple art exhibitions and her polaroid photographs have been showcased at galleries all around the world. She boasts a net worth of $4 Million and her career stands as an inspiring example of following one’s artistic passion to achieve greatness. Smith is revered as a poet within the punk movement, inspiring generations through songs like Horses’ “Because the Night”.