Patti Smith Rings in Rock Hall Induction
When Patti Smith received word that she was among this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, the punk rock icon reached out to one person in particular: friend and fellow 2007 classmate, Michael Stipe.
"We spoke right away," Smith tells Spinner of the R.E.M. frontman. "He was in London and we were all really happy. It was kind of funny -- through the years I always imagined that perhaps Michael would be there with me. And he is, in a whole other configuration. I know I'm gonna feel very proud and happy to see R.E.M. inducted."
While the honor has been a long time coming for Smith, the woman of many crowns -- poet, activist, painter, photographer, misfit, musician and mother -- is modest at best. "I've never wanted a career and I don't believe I have one," she says. "I believe that I'm a worker and that I've always done the best I could. One of the things that makes life worth living is being inspired by others, so I would hope that, in giving me this honor, they're saying that I did good work and they have faith that I'll keep doing good work. And that's what I'll do."
Posted by Jessica Robertson on Mar 1st 2007 3:06PM
Filed under: News, Exclusive, Rock Hall
Reader Comments(1 of 1)
Joshat 3-06-2007
Alright.. Patti Smith? hmm, i dont know many people who would admit that Patti Smith deserves the Hall of Fame Nomination. What happened to Grand Funk Railroad.. Who sold Countless platinum and Gold Albums one after another. I wonder??!
Johnson Johnsonat 3-07-2007
I'm 50 years old. I remember Leon and Grand Funk and I enjoyed them very much. And I have to say that Leon indeed deserves to be in a Rock N Roll hall of fame. But Patti Smith is probably the most important writter/performer since Bob Dylan, and she not only belongs there, but she should have been included Long ago.
Michaelat 3-09-2007
Listen, I grew up in the 50's & 60's. Not everyone can get in the Hall of Fame at once. Leon Russell is one of my top picks though. Grand Funk is one of the best power trio's of the time. Mel's bass playing grounded Grand Funk. Don's drumming was superb. Mark did what he did. Rocked the world. Unfortunately, like other musicians, they were ripped off by management. This brought about changes in musical direction and goals. I don't think they ever dug out of that hole. They are one of the best bands. Much better than REM.
Michaelat 3-09-2007
God Bless Fred Sonic Smith for marrying Patti. As a kid I watched the MC5 practice in Ann Arbor, MI. But another kid down the road should be in the Rock'N'Roll hall of Fame too. Iggy and the Stooges. The grandfathers of Punk Rock.
Keithat 3-12-2007
I divide my music-listening life to "Before and after I heard Patti."
Her calls to action ("I don't fuck much with the past but I fuck plenty with the future") changed my dna.
Thank you Patti for your spirit.
hopeseternalat 3-13-2007
People really do have the power.
Kevinat 3-13-2007
Patti Smith changed my life. I adore her.
MON!CAat 3-13-2007
all i have to say about patti smith is YAY! i am soooo glad she is finally in the RRhall w/her fellow legends. if someone like Bono can get inducted BEFORE her, whats that say about the committee? little biased? who are they and how old are they? and how much history of RR do they care about maintaining? has it become the viewers MTVchoice? is coldplay next? snoopdogg? what a sad day that will be for RR purists and history buffs.
Bill Sowerbuttsat 3-13-2007
Never mind your life Kevin, Patti changed the whole face of Rock and Roll. Horses in its glorious anarchic stripped back bare state was the start of a movement that gave music back to the people. How anyone can say that of Leon Russell or Grand Funk railroad I don't know - though I like them both.
Karenat 3-15-2007
Love you Trish.
Congratulations!
Karen
cathyat 3-17-2007
Im very happy Patti made it in. She deserved the honor. Look at all the bands who have spoken of her influence. But Iggy and the Stooges, the MC5, Alice Cooper, yes Leon too, should all be in there. They have influenced so many musicians.
It is screwy the way it works.
barney jamesat 3-20-2007
Nothing personal toward Patti Smith or Lou Reed, but how do they belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Leon Russell doesn't get nominated?
Natasha F.at 3-31-2007
Patti Smith, is more that music, is a great woman, she is no like the other girls, she is unic, and made it so great!
andyat 3-15-2009
I have had the privilege and joy to have been born in the era which Rock and Roll became more than a euphemism for youthful physical activity. The music of "our generation" became a beacon in the night, a signal of our social awareness, our ultimate umbilical c(h)ord of conscious and subconscious unity, our quest for the holy grail of honest thought. Patti Smith's words and music (along with Lenny Kaye)have always been my serum which epitomizes what rock and roll music is all about. Indeed, She a has been a Goddess of Muses and will always thank her for that gift. Vive La Revolution Des Peuples, Vive Patti Smith!