Patti Smith: biography The concept of a woman in rock music is beautiful. However, Patti Smith is more than that: her figure and art personify the punk culture; she is the icon of the genre. Patti Smith is a strong, talented, and fascinating singer with an interesting life story. Childhood and youth Patricia Lee Smith was born on December 30, 1946, in Chicago. The mother, Beverly Smith, worked as a singer and waitress; her daughter inherited the musical and vocal talent. The