“Part of my act is like, y’know, street rhythm stuff, and regular talking, and lousy talking. Bad grammar, and y’know, slutty stuff, sleaze. All the stuff you associate with rock ‘n’ roll. But then I juxtapose it with mental brilliance. Y’know, just like Rimbaud, y’know?”
Patti Smith, Interview with KQRS San Francisco, circa 1973, KQRS Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Patti Smith was a trendsetter in the NYC punk/new wave scene in every regard. Although she is usually considered a punk artist, she was at times referred to as being part of the new wave. Some encyclopedias on new wave alongside newer scholarship also describe Smith as new wave instead of punk. Regardless, her work was bold, transgressive, and starkly powerful.
Originally from New Jersey, Smith found Manhattan as her new home and not only became one of the earliest acts in the emerging scene but she also became the first to score a major record deal.
Smith was signed by Arista Records. Arista was started by record executive Clive Davis after Davis was fired from Columbia Records over financial scandal.
Clive and Smith forged a connection that struck the balance between auteurship and commercial viability. Davis was not afraid to adhere to Patti’s vision, yet he also did not shy away from giving his advice and personal opinions.
Smith wanted Atlantic Records producer Tom Dowd for her debut Horses.
Dear Clive,
I have tried every way possible to keep time open to [record] Patti Smith…
… Many many thanks for considering me and I wish you and Patti all the best. I know you’re right, she is a good artist.
Letter from Tom Dowd of Atlantic Records to Clive Davis, Clive Davis Correspondence, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Since Davis’ ask was a shot in the dark, the exchange illustrated Davis’ steadfast commitment to ensuring Smith and her band saw through their creative vision.
In the tiny town of Richland Center, Wisconsin, the Patti Smith Fan Club distributed a mimeographed zine newsletter. Though most of the issues deal with the Group and Smith’s personal life and interests, the fan club staff, with the help of people like Smith’s mother, reassured their audience that Arista was carrying out Smith’s creative vision.
There have recently been widespread rumors that Patti and Arista are having difficulties, but these rumors are untrue. Arista is backing Patti 100%.
Patti Smith Fan Club Volume #5, Jeff Gold Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Davis’ steadfast commitment to Smith proved to work both critically and to an extent commercially, as Smith’s “Because the Night,” co-written with Bruce Springsteen, peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.