Active supporter of the US Green Party.

Was romantically linked to Allen Lanier before marrying `Fred Sonic Smith`.

Born to a Jehova`s Witness mother, she grew up in Woodbury, New Jersey.

Graduated from Deptford Township High School (1964).

Her song "About a Boy" is a tribute to late Nirvana vocalist, guitarist, and song writer Kurt Cobain, who wrote a song while in Nirvana called "About a Girl".

Former girlfriend of controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

She was voted the 47th Greatest Artist in Rock `n` Roll by Rolling Stone.

Fred and Patti lived in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, an eastern suburb of Detroit, during their married years from 1980 to his death 1994.

Gave birth to her son Jackson in 1982 and her daughter Jesse in 1987.

Husband Fred `Sonic` Smith died of heart failure in 1994, at the age of 45 years.

Was the inspiration for Gilda Radner`s character Candy Slice on "Saturday Night Live" (1975).

Was the first performer to sell out a poetry recital at New York`s CGBG`s rock club.

Poet and punk musician.

Widow of MC5 guitarist Fred `Sonic` Smith.

Spouse: Fred `Sonic` Smith (1 March 1980 - 4 November 1994) (his death) 2 children