“Do you know how to Pony?” In 1975, Patti Smith released the iconic LP “Horses”. Subsequently, earning her the title “Godmother of Punk”.
She is now about to celebrate the 50th birthday of that very LP. This is wild, Patti Smith and her band perform Horses, hence the only acceptable title for the upcoming tour. She is playing the whole album live, with some extra songs of her career.
Patti Smith is a heroine for many music fans, including me, for being just simply raw. Through her art, she promoted a new picture of a female artist. Above all, she paved the way for many to follow. Including the whole new-wave-genre.
Patti Smiths poems live next to Bob Dylan, Gerry Goffin and Carol King
She broke conventions just with her sheer power and punk attitude. Her poetry has to be placed next to great lyricists and writers like Bob Dylan, Gerry Goffin and Carole King.
Her biggest hit in this period was the song “Because The Night” (written to Patti Smith by Bruce Springsteen).
‘Because of the Night’ became her biggest hit
For photographer Robert Mapplethorpe she was muse, friend and partner for many years till his death in 1989. After her wedding to Fred “Sonic”Smith (from MC5), the couple moved to Detroit. Living a family live, dedicated to raising their two kids.
After his early death, Patti Smith was convinced to try a comeback. Allen Ginsberg was the first to insist on her. Followed by Michael Stipe, singer of R.E.M.
R.E.Ms’ Michael Stipe helped her get a record deal
When Michael Stipe was a young teenager living in the countryside of the United States, he wrote a fan letter to Patti Smith. At the time, Smith’s mother managed her correspondence. Smith’s music had a huge impact on Stipe’s life, so when he grew up, he wanted to express his gratitude. To thank Smith for her music, Stipe organized a record deal for her.
Patti Smith made an outstanding comeback with her album “Gone Again”. Since then, she has been very productive and released several albums. In addition, she wrote a book about her time with Robert Mapplethorpe, which was highly anticipated: “Just Kids”.
‘Just Kids’ is a book about Patti Smiths time with Robert Mapplethorpe
She also helped work on a movie about her life, subsequently titled “Dream of Life”.
In 2007, Patti Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She received the National Book Award in 2010 and the Polar Music Prize in 2011 alongside the Kronos Quartet.
Women are often required to explain themselves for being both committed feminists and embracing femininity, especially in male-dominated fields like music. Patti Smith is a fantastic example of a role model and source of inspiration for those who want to overcome both obvious and subtle barriers, to empower themselves, and to never stop pursuing their creative passions and love.
Check here for tour dates!