Patti Smith

Patricia Lee Smith, known as Patti Smith, is an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter, author and photographer. Born on December 30, 1946, she made her mark in the music industry with her distinct fusion of rock and poetry. Her 1975 debut album, Horses, made her an influential member of the New York City-based punk rock movement. In 1978, she achieved wide recognition with her song Because the Night, co-written with Bruce Springsteen. Over the years, Patti has been honored for her contributions to art and culture, including being named a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2005. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and even won the National Book Award in 2010 for her memoir Just Kids. Smith's work resonates beyond music and literature, as she is also known for her activism and contribution to visual arts.