Patti Smith’s most personal interview

Salon: I’m not going to ask what it feels like to be a rock ‘n’ roll star, but I am going to ask you this: How do you feel being the friend and companion to generations that follow you in the same way that Rimbaud and Whitman and Burroughs and Blake were friends and companions to you?

Patti Smith: Oh… (laughs)… I couldn’t say that. I mean, if you’re saying that…

I am saying that!

Well, I mean, it’s quite an honor. What could one say? You know, all of these people have certainly given to me, and if I can give to others that’s a great thing. But it’s not something that an artist should think about himself; do you know what I mean? It’s a very nice thing to think about, but you know, I mean… All I can say is it’s a beautiful thought. Salon.com