About Patti Smith
Patti Smith is an American singer, songwriter, poet and author who rose to prominence in the 1970s New York City punk rock scene. Her 1975 debut album Horses helped her become an influential figure in that movement, and she often blends rock music with poetry. Her 1978 song “Because the Night”, co‑written with Bruce Springsteen, reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart.
Awards & Honors
Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres
honorary doctor of the University of Padua
honorary doctorate from the University of Parma
National Book Award for Nonfiction
Officer of the Legion of Honour
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
National Book Award
Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize
Show 3 more awards
Polar Music Prize
Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts
Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts
![“Steven [Sebring] was documenting me as a widow with two children, going from 50 to 60 years old. My focus, during that time, was to rediscover myself, stay healthy, take care of my kids and reestablish a relationship with the people.” quote by Patti Smith](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/716/patti-smith-394_care_steven-sebring-was-documenting-me-as-a-w_207231.jpg)
![“I think that there is an air of experience and aesthetic sophistication that weaves in with the amateur aspects of the film [Dream of Life]; it gives the film a certain elegance.” quote by Patti Smith](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/af3/patti-smith-394_aesthetic_i-think-that-there-is-an-air-of-experien_459029.jpg)
![“A writer, or any artist, can’t expect to be embraced by the people [but] you just keep doing your work - because you have to, because it’s your calling.” quote by Patti Smith](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/4cd/patti-smith-394_art_a-writer-or-any-artist-can-t-expect-to-b_2623165.jpg)
