Patti Smith (1946–) is an American singer-songwriter and poet. A defining figure of New York's 1970s punk movement, she has had a profound influence on both music and literature through her distinctive blend of rock and poetry. Alongside her musical career, she has published acclaimed memoirs, essays, and poetry, earning recognition as one of America's most important literary voices. Her best-known memoir, "Just Kids", recounts her friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and their formative years in New York's artistic community. The book won the 2010 National Book Award for Nonfiction.