Introduction
Patti Smith, the godmother of punk, celebrates the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking album “Horses.” This milestone is marked by another display of her remarkable memory, as she embarks on a tour and releases a new memoir titled “Bread of Angels.”
Who is Patti Smith?
For those unfamiliar with Patti Smith, she is a singer-songwriter and poet who emerged in the mid-1970s New York City art and music scene. Her unique blend of rock, poetry, and raw emotion has made her an influential figure in the punk movement. Smith’s career spans over five decades, with her 1975 album “Horses” being one of her most iconic works.
The Birth of “Horses”
“Horses” is a pivotal album in Smith’s career, as it transformed her perception of rock music and solidified her status as a punk icon. The album features rock-solid music with poetic, almost rap-like lyrics, influencing the emerging hip-hop scene. Smith’s distinctive delivery and unique style set her apart from other artists of the time.
“Gloria” and its Impact
The album’s opening track, “Gloria,” encapsulates Smith’s poetic prowess with the line, “Jesus died for somebody’s sins but not mine.” Throughout the album, Smith weaves her poetry into catchy pop hooks and powerful lyrics that would go on to define the punk genre.
Smith’s Relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe
Patti Smith arrived in New York with nothing, learning to survive by scavenging food from restaurant trash bins. Her love for lettuce, even in its discarded state, reflects her resilience during those challenging times. It was in this struggle that she met Robert Mapplethorpe, with whom she shared a deep bond and mutual artistic growth.
The Beat Generation Influence
Smith and Mapplethorpe were influenced by the beat generation, rubbing shoulders with literary giants like Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs at the Hotel Chelsea. Ginsberg even attempted to court Smith, mistaking her for a handsome young man due to her androgynous appearance.
From Street Artist to Rock Icon
Initially aspiring to be a visual artist, Smith’s time in New York City led her to create “Horses,” an album that redefined rock music and earned her the title “The Godmother of Punk.” Her austere appearance on the album’s cover, captured by Mapplethorpe, symbolized her defiant spirit and rejection of traditional femininity.
A Lifelong Journey of Creation
Smith’s autobiographical works, such as “Just Kids,” chronicle her tumultuous life in New York City, where she and Mapplethorpe navigated the underground art scene. Their inseparable bond, which transcended friendship and romance, was a testament to their unwavering support for each other’s artistic pursuits.
New Memoir: “Bread of Angels”
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Horses,” Smith has released “Bread of Angels,” a new memoir that explores her life from childhood in a small New Jersey town to her marriage with Fred “Sonic” Smith, the father of her children. The book delves into personal losses and discoveries, offering readers an intimate look at Smith’s extraordinary journey.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Patti Smith? Patti Smith is a singer-songwriter and poet who emerged in the mid-1970s New York City art and music scene, known for her influential punk contributions.
- What is “Horses” and why is it significant? “Horses” is Smith’s 1975 album that redefined rock music, blending raw poetry with catchy pop hooks and establishing her as a punk icon.
- Who is Robert Mapplethorpe and what was their relationship with Patti Smith? Robert Mapplethorpe was a photographer and artist who shared a deep bond with Patti Smith. Their relationship transcended friendship and romance, fueling each other’s artistic growth.
- What is “Bread of Angels”? “Bread of Angels” is Patti Smith’s new memoir, exploring her life from childhood to her marriage with Fred “Sonic” Smith, offering insights into personal losses and discoveries.
