History of Patti Smith in Timeline

Patti Smith is a multifaceted American artist known primarily as a singer-songwriter who significantly impacted the punk rock movement with her debut album 'Horses' in 1975. Her work uniquely blends rock music with poetry. She achieved mainstream success with the song 'Because the Night,' co-written with Bruce Springsteen. Besides music, Smith is also a recognized poet, painter, author, and photographer, showcasing her diverse creative talents.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1994: Reference in Hole's "Violet"

In 1994, Hole released the song "Violet" which included lyrics alluding to Smith's song "Kimberly".

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1998: Two Times Intro: On the Road with Patti Smith publication

In 1998, Michael Stipe of R.E.M. published a collection of photos titled Two Times Intro: On the Road with Patti Smith. Stipe sang backing vocals on Smith's "Last Call" and "Glitter in Their Eyes". Smith sang background vocals on R.E.M.'s "E-Bow the Letter" and "Blue".

2000: Support for Ralph Nader

In 2000, during the U.S. presidential election, Patti Smith supported the Green Party and Ralph Nader, leading the crowd in singing "Over the Rainbow" and "People Have the Power" at campaign rallies.

March 2003: Anti-War Concert

In March 2003, Patti Smith appeared in Austin, Texas, performing an anti-war concert and later wrote "Peaceable Kingdom", inspired by and dedicated to Rachel Corrie.

2004: The Smiths' Inspiration

In 2004, Morrissey and Johnny Marr, members of The Smiths, shared their appreciation for Smith's Horses, and revealed that their song "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" is a reworking of one of the album's tracks, "Kimberly".

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2004: Support for John Kerry

In 2004, Patti Smith supported Democratic candidate John Kerry in the election. Bruce Springsteen performed her song "People Have the Power" at Vote for Change campaign events.

2004: Shirley Manson's Acknowledgment

In 2004, Shirley Manson of Garbage spoke of Patti Smith's influence on her in Rolling Stone's issue "The Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time", in which Smith was ranked 47th.

2004: Sonic Youth's Album

In 2004, Sonic Youth released an album called Hidros 3 (to Patti Smith).

2005: KT Tunstall's "Suddenly I See"

In 2005, Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall released "Suddenly I See" as a tribute to Patti Smith.

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2005: Influence on U2

In 2005, U2 cited Patti Smith as an influence.

September 2006: Premiere of Protest Songs

In September 2006, Patti Smith premiered two new protest songs in London. "Qana" addressed the Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese village, and "Without Chains" concerned Murat Kurnaz, held at Guantanamo Bay.

March 2008: Kurnaz's Book Release

In March 2008, Murat Kurnaz's book was released, with Patti Smith writing a short preface for it.

2008: Stipe's Inspiration

In 2008, Michael Stipe said that Patti Smith's album Horses was one of his inspirations. Stipe stated that listening to Horses made him decide to start a band.

2009: Interview on Kurnaz

In 2009, Patti Smith mentioned in an interview that Murat Kurnaz's family had contacted her, leading her to write a preface for his book.

2009: Meltdown Concert Homage

In 2009, during her Meltdown concert in Festival Hall, Patti Smith paid homage to Iranian post-election protestors by saying "Where is My Vote?" in a version of "People Have the Power".

2010: Courtney Love's Acknowledgment

In 2010, Hole singer Courtney Love stated that she considered Patti Smith's "Rock N Roll Nigger" to be the greatest rock song and cited Smith as a major influence.

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2015: American Museum of Tort Law Convocation

In 2015, Patti Smith appeared with Ralph Nader, speaking and performing "Wing" and "People Have the Power" during the American Museum of Tort Law convocation ceremony in Winsted, Connecticut.

2016: Breaking Through Power Conference

In 2016, Patti Smith spoke, read poetry, and performed with her daughter Jesse at Ralph Nader's Breaking Through Power conference in Washington, D.C.

2019: Onassis Festival Performance

In 2019, Patti Smith performed "People Have the Power" with Stewart Copeland and Choir! Choir! Choir! at the Onassis Festival 2019: Democracy Is Coming.

2019: Year of the Monkey Release

In 2019, Patti Smith released her book, Year of the Monkey. Kirkus Reviews described it as "A captivating, redemptive chronicle of a year in which Smith looked intently into the abyss".

2020: Donation to Passages Bookshop

In 2020, Patti Smith contributed signed first-edition copies of her books to the Passages bookshop in Portland, Oregon, after a burglary.

May 2021: Boycott Performances in Israel

In May 2021, Patti Smith was among over 600 musicians who signed an open letter calling for a boycott of performances in Israel until the occupation of Palestinian territories ends.

2021: COP26 Performance

In 2021, Patti Smith performed at the opening of COP26, regarding climate change as a predominant issue.

February 24, 2022: Capitol Theatre Performance

On February 24, 2022, Patti Smith performed at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, referencing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

March 6, 2022: Instagram Post on Ukraine

On March 6, 2022, Patti Smith wrote on Instagram about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, describing the situation as a 'tragic hit song' and a 'raw translation of the Ukrainian anthem'.

2023: Hall of Fame Nomination and Rolling Stone Ranking

In 2023, Patti Smith was nominated for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and ranked at number 117 on Rolling Stone's list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

February 16, 2024: Turn in the Wound Premiere

On February 16, 2024, Patti Smith appeared as herself in Turn in the Wound, a documentary by Abel Ferrara that premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. Smith composed the music for the film and recited poems by Antonin Artaud, René Daumal, and Arthur Rimbaud.

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