Don’t call her a punk rocker. Although widely regarded as the Godmother of Punk, Patti Smith is far more than one of the most important musicians of the rock world. Visual artist, renowned poet, and political activist among other things, Patti Smith’s influence on the arts cannot be understated. Although her punk vibe is palpable, her music tends to transcend genre, her muscular vocals blaring at full volume, operatic in tone with a gentle rasp, always perfectly pitched. Whether playing straight rock, punk, or folk, she sings her poignant lyrics with an inimitable mystery all her own. Inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, Smith is still going strong today, always eschewing labels in favor of a dedicated search of perfect artistic expression.