Like fellow New Yorker and longtime contemporary Bob Dylan, Patti Smith has built a reputation as one of the most influential artistic voices of the modern era. Emerging from New York City’s vibrant creative scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Smith blended poetry, literature, and rock music into a style that would help shape an entire generation of musicians.
Often referred to as the “Godmother of Punk,” Smith earned the title through the raw intensity of her performances and the uncompromising spirit of her music. Yet she has frequently challenged the label, arguing that her work never fully fit within the punk movement.
Speaking to the BBC, Smith once joked about the many nicknames she had accumulated throughout her career, before explaining that she never considered herself a true punk artist. Instead, she saw herself as part of a broader mission to preserve the creative energy that had defined the cultural revolution of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Smith’s breakthrough came with her landmark 1975 album Horses, widely regarded as one of rock music’s most influential records. She later reached a wider audience through songs such as Dancing Barefoot and Because the Night, the latter co-written with Bruce Springsteen. While those hits introduced many listeners to her work, they represent only a small portion of a catalog filled with adventurous, poetic, and often overlooked material.
At the heart of Smith’s artistry has always been her gift for language. Her lyrics, rich with imagery and emotion, have distinguished her from many of her peers. But like every great artist, Smith has drawn inspiration from the music she loves.
During a 2014 interview with Shortlist, Smith discussed several of her favorite songs. When asked to name the best song that most people had never heard, she found it impossible to settle on just one answer.
The first track she mentioned was John Anderson (My Jo), a traditional Scottish song that tells the story of a woman reflecting on her aging husband and remembering his youthful beauty. Smith was deeply moved by its tenderness and emotional depth.
Another selection was If I Can’t Have You by Etta James and Harvey Fuqua. Smith described it as a powerful and sensual recording that she believes never received the recognition it deserved. Despite frequently asking friends and fellow music lovers about the song, she said very few people seemed familiar with it.
As she continued reflecting on forgotten gems, another favorite quickly came to mind: Today’s the Day by Maureen Gray.
For Smith, the song ranks among the finest recordings she has ever heard. She recalled dancing to it as a teenager and explained that even decades later it still fills her with excitement whenever she hears it. The song tells the story of a young woman facing the departure of someone she loves, yet its upbeat energy creates a fascinating emotional contrast.
Smith was so passionate about the song that she recently shared it with her daughter. After finding it online, she became so excited that she immediately jumped up and started dancing. What continues to amaze her, she explained, is the way the singer expresses heartbreak through an almost joyful performance.
The combination of sorrow, youthful energy, and emotional honesty is exactly the kind of artistic contradiction that has always fascinated Smith. It’s also why, despite remaining largely unknown to mainstream audiences, songs like Today’s the Day, If I Can’t Have You, and John Anderson (My Jo) continue to hold a special place in her heart.
For Patti Smith, some of the greatest songs ever recorded aren’t necessarily the biggest hits—they’re the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Patti Smith’s recommendations:
‘Today’s the Day’ – Maureen Gray
‘If I Can’t Have You’ – Etta James and Harvey Fuqua
‘John Anderson My Jo’ – Eddi Reader