Revisiting: Patti Smith
Summary
Malcolm Gladwell interviews Patti Smith at Electric Lady Studios, where she recounts meeting Jimi Hendrix at the studio's opening party just weeks before his death. The conversation explores her formative years in the Chelsea Hotel art scene, her transition from poetry to rock and roll, and her disciplined writing process during her years in Detroit. Smith also shares personal anecdotes about her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe and her enduring friendship with Michael Stipe.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships and introduction of Patti Smith
Episode overview: Patti Smith's writing and Electric Lady
First visit to Electric Lady and Jimi Hendrix's departure
Arriving in New York in 1967 and moving to Chelsea
Early years: poetry, mentors, and the bookstore job
Life at the Chelsea Hotel and meeting Robert Mapplethorpe
Why New York: reinvention and freedom for outsiders
Meeting Robert Mapplethorpe and the bond of 'Just Kids'
Identity as a performer vs. musician and visual artist
Sponsor break: Before the Moment and Chase Business
The second life: public performance and touring Europe
Learning stage presence from Johnny Winter
The loss of 60s icons and the goal of 'Horses'
Musical style: improvisation, covers, and vocal range
Friendship with Michael Stipe and the Rock Hall of Fame
Sponsor break: Before the Moment and Chase Business
The third life: moving to Detroit and marrying Fred
Developing a writing discipline during the Detroit years
Writing 'Just Kids': Robert's request and the process
Completing 'Just Kids' and Sam Shepard's praise
Gratitude for New York's cultural community
The pandemic: canceling the world tour and quarantine
Starting the Substack: 'The Melting' and daily writing
Embracing social media and concluding remarks
Credits and final sponsorships
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