History of Patti Smith in Timeline

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.

July 2005: Named Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

In July 2005, Patti Smith was named a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture, recognizing her influence on rock music and appreciation of Arthur Rimbaud.

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.

March 12, 2007: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On March 12, 2007, Patti Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She dedicated her award to her late husband, Fred, and performed a cover of The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter". Her song "People Have the Power" was used to close the ceremony.

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2008: Support for Ralph Nader's presidential campaign

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

2008: Release of "Patti Smith: Dream of Life" and Honorary Doctorate from Rowan University

In 2008, the documentary "Patti Smith: Dream of Life" about Patti Smith by Steven Sebring was released. Also in 2008, Rowan University awarded Smith with an honorary doctorate degree for her contributions to popular culture.

2009: Son Jackson married Meg White

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

2011: Polar Music Prize and Television Acting Debut

In 2011, Patti Smith won the Polar Music Prize and made her television acting debut at age 64 on the TV series Law & Order: Criminal Intent in the episode titled "Icarus".

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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.

2015: Anwen Crawford's Observation on Smith's Attitude to Genius

In 2015, writer Anwen Crawford observed that Patti Smith's attitude to genius seems pre-feminist, if not anti-feminist.

2024: Awarded the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal

In 2024, Patti Smith, along with Yoko Ono and Sandra Bloodworth, was awarded the Municipal Art Society of New York’s highest honor, the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, for her lasting contribution to New York City.

2025: Quote on Ralph Nader's "Civic Self-Respect"

In 2025, Patti Smith is quoted on the front cover of Ralph Nader's book, "Civic Self-Respect", praising it as an indispensable guide to understanding rights and responsibilities.