Patti Smith Reveals the Story Behind Her Most Successful Song and Performs Live With David Remnick

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Published 2015-10-08

Patti Smith—the artist, musician, and writer—reveals the story behind her hit song “Because the Night,” a collaboration with Bruce Springsteen. Then she performs this song with New Yorker editor David Remnick on guitar.

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Patti Smith Reveals the Story Behind Her Most Successful Song and Performs Live With David Remnick

Starring: Patti Smith
Producer: The New Yorker

All Comments (21)

@rebeccapayne5933 4 years ago

I met Patti when I worked at a club where she performed at a club in Chicago. She shyly asked for a cup of black coffee. After I gave it to her she said thank you and stepped back into the shadows quietly and just kind of disappeared. An hour later she was on stage and was amazing. I had met many very famous musicians but none were as humble as she. Many thanks for posting this!!
@hidilley 7 years ago

I just adore her. So genuine, such a talented poet. Love this.
@user-kj9lg7wq5h 3 years ago

It's sureal to know that the song that made her so successfull lay on just this tiny moment of a lover waiting for a phone call. It make me love the song even more.
@Sandy-zr5hs 4 years ago

Still whenever I hear this song takes me right back to 1978, aged 14, playing the record over and over in my bedroom belting out every word....♥️
@davidparsons3432 2 years ago

I love her....Patti is totally Patti...no pretensions.
@Wuei108 3 years ago

Her music enriched my life and still does now.
@tomhamilton5261 3 years ago

Very talented lady. As powerful a song as ever-it will always be her song.
@phaedracollins2302 7 years ago

She does this well...its lost none of its power over the years....immortal...
@kevinblake7078 4 years ago

Love her soulful presence, Patti forever
@jeffreykicia6534 4 years ago

This Artist is an absolute genius and soo Gifted, with not only her vocals but her wonderful lyrics and poems.
@DsB779 4 years ago

Exceptional world class artist, seen her live and up close in an accoustic live session in Berlin recently celebrating 30years fall of the wall and important memories of her life. Unforgettable presence and voice. She is gold
@henryinflorida 7 years ago

You gotta love this song and the way she sings with such passion.
@MrsCissyChen 8 years ago

This is so absolutely beautiful. Love Patti.
@ambertucker3879 8 years ago

I love how she grins almost bashfully at the audience and Remneck between verses. An artist who truly cares about reaching her audience in a meaningful way, and still does so remarkably well!
@skitsmaxn 4 years ago

Such an inspiring female artist!!!! True to the core and free as a bird!!!
@byHexted 2 years ago

Wow she still sounds awesome at this age
@julianjules6698 4 years ago

Patti Smith - brilliant, talented and modestly amazing.
@funkpois3704 6 years ago

Patti we love you !! A real free spirit!!
@Frankiarmz 2 years ago

We are all very glad he made you wait for that call ❤️
@fernandaguerra6933 7 years ago

Great story and such a wonderful performance. Love so much Patti, her voice, her tenderness and her powerful artistic soul.