Patti Smith, born on December 30, 1946, emerged as a pioneering figure in punk rock during the 1970s. Her music, characterized by a fusion of rock and poetry, showcased her intellectual and uncompromising songwriting style. Smith's avant-garde approach, exemplified in albums like Horses and Radio Ethiopia, influenced the New York punk scene and beyond. Despite her experimental tendencies, she achieved mainstream success with hits like "Because the Night" from Easter. Smith's later works, such as Gone Again and Gung Ho, continued to showcase her fiery rock spirit.

Smith's early life saw her finding solace in poetry and music, eventually leading her to New York City in 1967. Collaborating with guitarist Lenny Kaye, Smith's performances at iconic venues like CBGB solidified her reputation. The formation of the Patti Smith Group and the release of debut album Horses marked a significant moment in her career. Smith's personal life, including her marriage to Fred "Sonic" Smith and the loss of loved ones, influenced her music and poetry. Throughout the decades, Smith's creative output remained boundary-pushing, as seen in her memoir Just Kids and collaborations with Soundwalk Collective on projects like Peradam.