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Patti Smith

Patti Smith

From: New York, New York State

Born on 31 December 1946, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Smith was raised in New Jersey and became infatuated by music, principally the Rolling Stones, the Velvet Underground, Jimi Hendrix and James Brown.

Her initial talent focused on poetry and art, while her first major label recording was a version of a Jim Morrison poem on Ray Manzarek's (both Doors) solo album. Her early writing, captured on three anthologies, Seventh Heaven, Kodak and Witt, was inspired by Arthur Rimbaud and William Burroughs, but as the 70s progressed she was increasingly drawn towards fusing such work with rock.

In 1971, Smith was accompanied by guitarist Lenny Kaye for a reading in St. Mark's Church, and this informal liaison continued for three years until the duo was joined by Richard Sohl (piano) in the first Patti Smith Group. Their debut recording, Hey Joe/Piss Factory, was in part financed by photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, later responsible for many of the artist's striking album portraits.

By 1974 the unit had become one of the most popular acts at New York's pivotal CBGB's club. Ivan Kral (bass) and J.D. Daugherty (drums) were then added to the line-up featured on Horses. This highly lauded set, produced by John Cale, skilfully invoked Smith's 60s mentors but in a celebratory manner. By simultaneously capturing the fire of punk, Smith completed a collection welcomed by both old and new audiences.

However, Radio Ethiopia was perceived as self-indulgent and the artist's career was further undermined when she incurred a broken neck upon falling off the stage early in 1977. A lengthy recuperation ensued but Smith re-emerged in July with a series of excellent concerts, and the following year enjoyed considerable commercial success with Easter. This powerful set included "Because The Night", co-written with Bruce Springsteen, which deservedly reached the UK Top 5, but Wave failed to sustain such acclaim. She had previously collaborated on three Blue Öyster Cult albums, with then partner Allen Lanier. Patti then married former MC5 guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith, and retired from active performing for much of the 80s to raise a family. She resumed recording in 1988 with Dream Of Life, which contained the artist's customary call-to-arms idealism ("People Have The Power") and respect for rock and poetic tradition.

Following a series of tragic events in her life, triggered by the death of her husband she released what was seen as an exhortation album, Gone Again. Intense and melancholic, in time it may well be seen as her best work. Peace And Noise, released the following year, reunited Smith with Kaye and Daugherty from the Patti Smith Group alongside co-writer and guitarist Oliver Ray and bass player Tony Shanahan, and marked a return to the more spiky sound of her earlier material. She retained the same musicians on the excellent Gung Ho, from which "Glitter In Their Eyes", "Strange Messengers", and "Boy Cried Wolf" captured a songwriter still at the peak of her formidable powers.

Taken from VH1.COM

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