Patti Smith merged the worlds of rock and roll and French symbolist poetry to become the 'Godmother of Punk.' Her 1975 debut album 'Horses' is a landmark of the New York punk scene, starting with the iconic line, 'Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine.' Smith’s work challenged gender roles and brought an intellectual depth to the raw energy of punk. Her biggest commercial hit, 'Because the Night' (1978), was co-written with Bruce Springsteen. Beyond music, Smith is a highly acclaimed author; her memoir 'Just Kids,' which chronicles her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe, won the National Book Award. She remains a symbol of artistic integrity and a primary influence on the alternative rock movements of the 1980s and 90s.