Patti Smith Group

The Profile

American rock group led by Patti Smith, central to the 1970s New York punk/new wave scene; debut album Horses (1975) is widely acclaimed.

Led by Patti Smith. Guitarist Lenny Kaye was a key collaborator. Patti Smith was associated with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and was friends with Bob Dylan. The group's early records (including Horses, Radio Ethiopia, Easter) are considered influential in punk/new wave.

Two appreciative reviews of Patti Smith Group albums focusing on Patti Smith's confrontational, emotional vocal style and the band's place in the birth of new wave. Radio Ethiopia is praised for its rawness and variety; Wave is viewed as more mainstream but still notable. Both reviews highlight key tracks and collaborators such as Lenny Kaye.