Signed 1975 Patti Smith Horses LP
Horses is the iconic debut album of legendary performer, author, recording and visual artist, and 2025 KMA Gala honoree Patti Smith. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in NYC and released by Arista Records on November 10, 1975, this eight-track album is a triumphant amalgam of avant-garde poetry and rock 'n' roll. It has gone on to become a trailblazing icon within the punk rock genre and has inspired generations of artists including Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and R.E.M., among others. In 2009, Horses was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation into the National Recording Registry as a "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" work. In her own words, Smith notes of the album "I was young, but I felt our cultural voice was in jeopardy and needed an infusion of new people and ideas. I didn't feel like I was the one. I didn't consider myself a musician in any way, but I was a poet and performer, and I did feel that I understood where we were at, what we'd been given, and where we should go, and if I could voice it, perhaps it could inspire the next generation."
Patti Smith's extensive achievements as a performer, author, recording and visual artist are acknowledged worldwide. The artist has released thirteen albums; is a four-time Grammy nominee, and a Golden Globe nominee. Among her many other accolades, Smith was named "Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres" from the French Ministry of Culture in 2005 and in 2007 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2010, Smith was awarded the prestigious National Book Award for her bestselling memoir, Just Kids. She was also honored by ASCAP with the Founders Award in 2010 and was the recipient of Sweden's 2011 Polar Award. In 2020, Smith received the literary service prize from PEN America and the Wall Street Journal acknowledged her as a Literature Innovator. She has been the recipient of many academic awards from institutions including Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Trinity College, Dublin, and in May 2022 received the Doctor of Humane Letters from Columbia University.
Absentee bids are being accepted for this auction lot. To place an absentee bid, please contact Jennifer Lima: jlima@katonahmuseum.org or call the KMA Development office at: 914.767.2979.
Courtesy of the artist