The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Intro Rewind: Patti Smith (Extended)
Jan 3, 2026
Patti Smith, the iconic singer, poet, and author known as the 'godmother of punk,' shares her fascinating journey in this engaging conversation. She reflects on her creative evolution, linking her childhood illnesses with her imaginative beginnings. Patti gives heartfelt advice to young artists about self-care and authenticity. She also discusses her memoir, "Bread of Angels," revealing its inspiration and meaning behind the title. Get a glimpse into her legendary career, including her partnership with Robert Mapplethorpe for her famous album cover.
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Protect Your Health To Protect Your Work
- Take good care of your body and basic health to sustain creative work.
- Floss, save money, and maintain routines so illness doesn't derail your art or livelihood.
Trust Your Own Measure Of Worth
- Rely primarily on your own judgment rather than external validation or social media.
- Build inner strength and an independent sense of worth to resist demoralizing opinions.
Dream Led To Writing Bread Of Angels
- Patti Smith dreamed a finished manuscript arriving in the mail and took that as a sign to write Bread of Angels.
- She wrote the book to express gratitude to loved ones she had lost, including family and pets.