Smith, Patti (1946- )

US rock singer and songwriter. Her album Horses (1975) contributed to the genesis of the New Wave. Her risk-taking performances and punk sensibility made her a significant influence. In 1978 she had a hit with Bruce Springsteen's ‘Because the Night’.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Smith moved to New York, writing poetry and lyrics. Horses was followed by Radio Ethiopia (1976), Easter (1978), and Waves (1979). She made a comeback in 1988 with Dream of Life, which she recorded with her husband Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith (formerly of early punk agitprop stars, the MC5). Following Fred's death, her album Gone Again (1995) featured tributes to him and Kurt Cobain. Later albums are Gung Ho (2000), featuring the single ‘Glitter in the Eyes’; Land - 1975-2002 (2002), a double anthology; and Trampin' (2004).