Patricia Lee Smith, born December 30, 1946, is an American artist known for her roles as a singer, songwriter, poet, painter, author, and photographer. Emerging as a key figure in the New York punk rock scene with her groundbreaking debut album Horses in 1975, she is celebrated for blending rock music with poetry. Smith achieved commercial success with "Because the Night," her hit song co-written with Bruce Springsteen. Over her career, she has earned awards such as the Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the Polar Music Prize, and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her acclaimed memoir Just Kids won the National Book Award and she is recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists.