Patti Smith discusses her childhood influences in Philadelphia and rural South Jersey.

Patti Smith, a renowned figure in the punk rock movement and a celebrated poet, has maintained a strong association with New York City throughout her artistic journey, though her roots run deeper in Philadelphia and rural South Jersey. Smith, who first captivated audiences in 1971 at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery alongside guitarist Lenny Kaye, helped shape the vibrant music scene of CBGB in the 1970s, performing alongside iconic bands like the Ramones and Blondie.

In 1975, Smith released her landmark album Horses at Electric Lady Studios, a project that elevated her status as both a punk rock and feminist icon. This year, she marks the 50th anniversary of this influential work with a special performance at the Met Philadelphia, featuring Kaye and a talented backing band, including drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, bassist Tony Shanahan, and her son, Jackson Smith, on guitar.

Reflecting on her identity, Smith acknowledges a complex relationship with New York. While she has lived there for decades, she attributes substantial formative experiences to her early years in Philadelphia and South Jersey. During the upcoming performance at the Met, Smith plans to present Horses in full, starting with its iconic opening track, a rendition of Van Morrison’s “Gloria,” which famously asserts, “Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine.”

Two days after her concert, Smith will engage with her audience at Marian Anderson Hall to promote her latest memoir, Bread of Angels, where she will be accompanied by her children, providing a rare opportunity to perform alongside her son and daughter.

Unlike her acclaimed memoir Just Kids, which focused on a specific period in her life, Bread of Angels constructs a broader narrative of Smith’s experiences. It explores her upbringing, beginning in Chicago, followed by significant chapters in Philadelphia, ultimately revealing late-in-life DNA revelations that shifted her perception of her own identity.

The memoir serves as a tribute to cherished locations from her past, including references to her childhood in Philadelphia, which she fondly describes as where she first encountered rock and roll. Smith recounts early memories, such as discovering art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and engaging in playful childhood antics, which vividly illustrate the influence of her formative years.

As she approaches her 80th birthday, Smith remains an active and vibrant presence in the music and literary landscape, continuously evolving while staying true to her artistic roots. Her ability to connect with both her tenacious inner child and her audience has rendered her a lasting symbol of creativity, resilience, and inspiration. Smith’s upcoming performances and her new memoir promise to deepen the understanding of a life richly lived and an art form that continues to resonate across generations.

Patti Smith and her band will perform Horses on its 50th anniversary at the Met Philadelphia, emphasizing her long-standing influence as an artist capable of transcending time and space with her profound narrative. Her simultaneous engagements and ongoing projects highlight not only her artistic legacy but also her connection to the cities that have shaped her life and work. For further details regarding upcoming performances, audiences can refer to the respective venues.