Patti Smith’s ‘Horses’ Turns 50 : Fresh Air

Patti Smith’s ‘Horses’ Marks 50 Years

Next week marks the 50th anniversary of Patti Smith’s debut album, Horses, which launched a transformative era in rock and roll. We revisit excerpts from Smith’s interviews in 1996 and 2010, where she reflects on her early life in New York City as she explored her identity as a poet, performer, and eventually a songwriter.

“I thought I would do this record and then go back to my writing and my drawing and return to my somewhat abnormal normal life. But ‘Horses’ took me on a whole different path.”

Anniversary Edition and Reviews

Ken Tucker offers his review of the new anniversary edition of Horses, highlighting its lasting impact and renewal for listeners.

Additional Features

Author’s Summary: Patti Smith’s groundbreaking album Horses revolutionized rock and set her on a new artistic journey, celebrated 50 years later with fresh insights and reviews.

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NPR NPR — 2025-11-07

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