Patti Smith is an influential American musician, poet, and artist often referred to as the "Godmother of Punk." She made a massive impact in 1975 with her groundbreaking debut album Horses, which merged rock music with poetry in a brand new way. Smith is known for her intellectual lyrics and her uncompromising artistic vision that has inspired generations of musicians. Beyond her music career, she is also an award-winning author, best known for her memoirs about life in New York.