Early Life and Education of Patti Smith: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Patti Smith. From birth to education, explore key events.

Patti Smith is an influential American singer, songwriter, poet, painter, author, and photographer, pivotal to the New York City punk rock movement. Her debut album 'Horses' (1975) solidified her status. Smith is known for blending rock music with poetry. Her most popular song, "Because the Night," co-written with Bruce Springsteen, achieved significant commercial success in both the US and UK in 1978.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

April 26, 1967: Birth of her first child

On April 26, 1967, at age 20, Patti Smith gave birth to her first child, a daughter, and placed her for adoption.

1979: Separation from Allen Lanier and Meeting Fred "Sonic" Smith

In 1979, Patti Smith separated from Allen Lanier and met Fred "Sonic" Smith, the former guitar player for Michigan-based rock band MC5 and Sonic's Rendezvous Band.

1982: Birth of son Jackson

In 1982, Patti Smith had a son named Jackson.

1987: Birth of daughter Jesse Paris

In 1987, Patti Smith had a daughter named Jesse Paris.

1989: Friendship until Mapplethorpe's death

Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe remained friends until Mapplethorpe's death in 1989.

November 4, 1994: Death of Fred Smith

Fred Smith, Patti Smith's husband, died of a heart attack on November 4, 1994.

2000: Support for Ralph Nader's presidential campaign

In 2000, Patti Smith supported Ralph Nader's campaign for the presidency.

2004: Support for Ralph Nader's presidential campaign

In 2004, Patti Smith supported Ralph Nader's campaign for the presidency.

August 2005: Literary lecture on Rimbaud and Blake

In August 2005, Patti Smith gave a literary lecture about the poems of Rimbaud and William Blake.

2008: Support for Ralph Nader's presidential campaign

In 2008, Patti Smith supported Ralph Nader's campaign for the presidency.

2009: Son Jackson married Meg White

In 2009, Patti Smith's son, Jackson, married Meg White, drummer for The White Stripes.

2013: Son Jackson divorced Meg White

In 2013, Patti Smith's son, Jackson, divorced Meg White.

2014: Patti Smith on the sexualization of women in music.

In 2014, Patti Smith expressed her opinion on the sexualization of women in music, stating that she doesn't feel it's her place to judge pop music. She also reiterated her stance on feminism, emphasizing her belief in human rights.