As a young girl Patti Smith was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. She was sent to Sunday school and had to learn and read the Bible. Even at night, Smith would recite prayers after her mom. But according to her, she “plagued her (mother) with questions.” At such a young age Smith was already questioning ideal thoughts. She was a child wise beyond her years. Smith showed hints of being a leader. She wouldn’t settle for what people told her and wanted to find out things for herself. Although, I am citing her actions as a child, I am speaking in regards to her potential. Patti grew up and became an artist. Her experiences with her soul mate, Robert Mapplethorpe, made her more complete. Smith defied the stereotypical view of a punk rock and roll artist. Oddly enough, she was also known to be a poet who tried to mesh her poems and her songs. Although, her voice sounded raspy, and wasn’t the greatest she influenced others in a different way.

First, Smith is such a phenomenal person. When she had her first child, she gave it up for adaptation instead of just dumping it. She believed that someone else could have taken care of it better and she didn’t want her struggles as an upcoming artist to worsen her child. Smith was not a hater to minorities, and actually loved entertaining minorities. Her songs, her style which are manly like, and personality appealed to the rebels of her time. She even said herself that girls weren’t really a part of rock bands that time. It’s amazing how became one of the most influential singers and person of her time. She dreamed of being a teacher, not a singer, and how lucky is the world to have Smith who not only tested the waters, but revolutionized the artistic era of her time.