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Portrait of Patti Smith

Photo: Harald Krichel · CC BY-SA 4.0

Patti Smith

Voice for Palestinian Rights

Friend of PalestineNot Palestinian, and stood with Palestine
Born
30 December 1946
Born in
Chicago, Illinois
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Why Patti is here

Patti Smith, an influential figure in the punk rock movement, has used her platform to advocate for Palestinian rights, becoming a prominent voice in the cultural boycott of Israel.

Their story

Patti Smith, born in Chicago in 1946, is an American singer, songwriter, poet and author. Her 1975 debut album Horses made her a founding figure of punk, "Because the Night" became her best-known song, and her memoir Just Kids won the National Book Award in 2010. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

She has written songs for Palestine and Lebanon, including "Peaceable Kingdom", inspired by Rachel Corrie, the American activist killed in Rafah in 2003, and "Qana", about the 2006 strike on the Lebanese village. She has sung them on stages around the world.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Patti’s path.

  1. 1946

    Born in Chicago, Illinois, later becoming an influential figure in the New York punk rock scene.

  2. 1975

    Released her debut album Horses, which became a seminal record in the punk genre.

  3. 1996

    Returned to music after a long hiatus, continuing to merge her art with activism.

  4. 2010

    Published Just Kids, a memoir that won the National Book Award, solidifying her status as a literary figure.

  5. 2021

    Signed an open letter as part of the "Musicians for Palestine" movement, advocating for a cultural boycott of Israel.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Artistic Advocacy for Palestine

    Used her music and poetry as tools to advocate for Palestinian rights, particularly through her involvement in the "Musicians for Palestine" initiative.

  2. Cultural Boycott

    Signed letters and supported actions that call for the boycott of Israel, refusing to perform in the country as a stance against its policies.

  3. Public Awareness

    Participated in events like "Hoping for Palestine," where she used her platform to bring attention to the plight of Palestinian youth and refugees.

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  4. Protest Music

    Her song “People Have The Power” has been an anthem for various movements, including Palestinian solidarity, encouraging resistance and empowerment.

  5. Poetry and Readings

    Performed and read poetry at numerous events dedicated to Palestinian rights, including high-profile concerts and gatherings that amplify the Palestinian cause.

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