“People Have the Power”: Poet & Singer Patti Smith Awarded Key to New York City

Legendary poet, singer, author and activist Patti Smith has been awarded a key to New York City. Smith’s music has inspired countless bands and helped earn her the title of the queen of punk. Her song “People Have the Power” has become an anthem at protests across the globe. Patti Smith has also been a longtime activist, performing regularly at antiwar rallies and political benefits. She gave an emotional acceptance speech during a ceremony Monday with outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. We also air a clip of her live performance with singer Michael Stipe at Democracy Now!’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2016.

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[helenpatterson]

What a relief. Seems like every day I open up something telling me another great person has died. Congratulations to Patti.

[elvisiscat]

Well deserved. Love you, Patti! Thanks for posting, Democracy Now. 💚

[jackiepaper]

I love that song. I hope we hear it a lot more often.

[debi]

Love and respect to one of the best artist we have!.

[stoufer]

Inspirational artist... what a great woman

[daysjours]

Patti´s NYC is long gone -- like the horse & buggy.

[Stevie]

This is it.
The World Anthem.
🍃☮️🍃

[richardlouis]

Excellent choice, Patti Smith is a legend 🙌 and the all time 🐐

[rodneysmith]

"Pattie Smith, your not punk"- Crass.

[zehrajafri]

Awards are distributed but does anything change? Hasn't yet, so let's bring the change.

[vinniecasqer]

This is to demoralize you. Stripping your life of everything once held dear. Everyone is bought and sold.

[antennawilde]

If you can make it there you can make it anywhere, but if you don't make it there, better cut your hair.

[PL-JudgeDredd]

Oh god, the key to a city of homelessness, crime and drug addiction.

[rodmeauxadesacra]

Demos Kratein/Demos Kratus- foreign ideology a greek ideology adopted by the USA.