How Did Pattin Smith Influence American Culture

Patti Smith was important to American culture because of her influence and involvement in shaping its future. Smith’s self-pride and fame led her to become quite an influential figure in American society. Individuals who had met Smith and had heard her sing, pushed her to begin a singing career. In Just Kids, Smith writes,
“It came, I felt, too easy. Nothing had come to Robert so easily. Or for the poets I had embraced. I decided to back off. I turned down the record contract but left Scribner’s to work for Steve Paul as his girl Friday. I had more freedom and made a little more money, but Steve kept asking me why I chose to make his lunch and clean his birdcages instead of making a record. I didn’t really believe I was destined to clean the

This led her towards achieving her dream of becoming famous in a harder but more respectable manor. All of these situations resulted in Smith becoming a role model towards others, which in turn, helped to shape the future of what was to become the present American culture. Robert Mapplethorpe- Smith’s ‘Muse’ throughout Just Kids- had also played a huge role in helping Smith become successful, and was there for her in her times of need. Smith focuses on her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe in Just Kids because of his artistic abilities, his sexuality, and the influence he withheld on Smith on her road towards

Smith made this clear by writing in Just Kids that, “Robert came home late, sullen and a little angry that I had drinks with a strange guy. But the next morning he agreed it was inspiring that someone like Bob Neuwirth was interested in my work. “Maybe he’ll be the one to get you to sing,” he said, “but always remember who wanted you to sing first” (96). Mapplethorpe played a huge part in Smiths life. He was her on and off lover, and they stayed friends through thick and thin. Mapplethorpe led Smith towards becoming a performer by constantly complementing her singing. This in turn also pushed her towards a performance career. In light of this, Mapplethorpe also made an effort to try getting Smith a performance somewhere using his rising popularity. Smith would write of this saying, “Although we were a bit estranged in this period, Robert off with David and me with Sam, we had our common ground. Our work. As he had promised, Robert was determined to get me a reading. He spoke on my behalf to Gerard Malanga, who was scheduled to read at St. Mark’s Church in February. Gerard generously agreed to let me open for him” (121). It was generous actions such as this that influenced Smith to work towards success and fame. As a result of this, Smith’s fame and popularity became a reality because of her own hard work, as well as Mapplethorpe’s generosity and