Patricia Lee Smith, known professionally as Patti Smith, is celebrated as an iconic figure in the American cultural landscape. Smith, born on December 30, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, has carved an influential path as a singer, songwriter, poet, painter, and author. Her debut album Horses (1975) marked her as a pivotal figure in the New York City punk rock movement, earning her the moniker "punk poet laureate."

Smith's work is characterized by a unique fusion of rock and poetry. Her song "Because the Night," co-written with Bruce Springsteen, achieved significant commercial success, reaching 13th on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and fifth on the UK Singles Chart. Throughout her career, Smith has been honored with numerous accolades, including being named Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2005, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and winning the National Book Award for her memoir Just Kids in 2010. This memoir fulfilled a promise to her former long-time partner Robert Mapplethorpe, further cementing her legacy as a versatile artist.

In addition to her music career, Smith has authored over twenty books of poetry and narrative, showcasing her intellectual and feminist viewpoint that has significantly influenced rock music. Her recognition extends globally, with Rolling Stone magazine ranking her 47th on its 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list in 2010. Smith's contributions to culture and the arts were further acknowledged when she was awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2011 and the Gold Medal of Fine Arts by the Government of Spain in 2019.

Smith continues to inspire through her multi-faceted career, blending the world of music, literature, and visual arts with unwavering passion and integrity.