Patti Smith
There are a hundreds of great living rock stars around, but none stand out to me so much like Patti Smith.
Patti Smith didn’t ever intend on being rock star, she’s an accidental rock star (even that’s pretty damn rock ‘n’ roll). In Smith’s book Just Kids, she writes about her life before becoming the musician, poet and artist we know her as today. One part that stands out (amongst many) is her affinity with the French libertine poet, Arthur Rimbaud. There are a few similarities between Smith and Rimbaud; their talent with words isn’t the only thing either. Both lead what could be described of as a ‘bohemian’ lifestyle. This lifestyle provided her with the perfect roots to form a career as punk poet, singer, artist and writer.
Image can be important for a musician, and what makes Smith so great with this notion? She totally disregards image. Smith is known for her messy, short hair, and androgynous, non-fussy style. Never has Smith been the image of what a girl is ‘supposed’ to look like, she’s just been herself and nothing more. Her priority has been her music, and in an age when so many musicians are image-conscious too, it’s still refreshing to see her just not care.
Smith’s life, and style embody everything rock ‘n’ roll from the absolute disregard to people’s opinions, to who she knew, but it’s important to remember her music itself makes her one of the greatest rock stars.
Smith has been dubbed as ‘the godmother of punk’ and with lyrics like “Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine’, it really isn’t a surprise why. Smith’s discography is vast and impressive. Smith has a rare talent when it comes to writing; in which whatever style she tries, she is ultimately successful. Her lyrics can range from the angry, protesting anthems to tender, soft and beautiful- a rare talent indeed. Her vocal range also possesses this rare talent; Smith can go from snarling and gritty singing to almost ballad-esque dependent on what song you’re listening to. The one thing that is always guaranteed with a Smith song is that the lyrics will be powerful and longstanding.
Patti Smith is, to me, the greatest living rock star for so many reasons. She is a rock veteran, a poet, a punk and a great role model but she’s also true to herself and her art. If that isn’t what makes a great musician, then I don’t know what is.
Words by Selene Mortimore