On this day in Rock history, Patti Smith (known as the punk-rock, poet laureate) released her breakthrough hit single “Because the Night” in 1978, which was co-written by none other than the Boss, Bruce Springsteen. These guys really like having names added to their names.

This is the 2009 R&R Hall of Fame “duet” that they did… with U2, so would that be an ensemble?

Smith’s influence on Rock music spans far beyond her career. “Because the Night” was Patti Smith’s big song that brought her into mainstream music.  However, she had been huge in the underground scene for a while in New York performing at Clubs like the CBGB with bands like the Ramones.

Before she left NYC, she was also a writer for some small little magazines including Rolling Stone and Creem.

She later was married to Fred “Sonic’ Smith of the MC5 (neither of them had to change their names for the marriage, sweet)  They had a son who would then go on to marry White Stripes drummer, Meg White.

If you haven’t heard much Patti Smith, she is definitely worth checking out. She’s even been known to play a free concert here and there at the Santa Monica Pier.  Last time, Flea was playing bass.