Both of them were ahead of their time, but they didn't live long enough to see the time they were ahead of

Both of them were ahead of their time, but they didn't live long enough to see the time they were ahead of

Patti Smith is often regarded as a trailblazer in the world of music and art. Her unique blend of punk rock music and poetry, along with her androgynous style and fearless attitude, set her apart from her peers in the 1970s. Smith's influence can still be felt today, as she continues to inspire a new generation of artists and musicians.

Despite her groundbreaking work, Smith's career was tragically cut short by the untimely deaths of two of her closest collaborators. Robert Mapplethorpe, the renowned photographer and artist, passed away in 1989 from complications related to AIDS. Mapplethorpe and Smith had a close friendship and creative partnership that spanned decades, with Mapplethorpe even photographing the iconic cover of Smith's debut album, "Horses."

Just a few years later, in 1994, Smith's husband, Fred "Sonic" Smith, also passed away from heart failure. Fred was a musician and member of the influential band MC5, and his death left a profound impact on Smith. The loss of both Mapplethorpe and Fred within a relatively short period of time was devastating for Smith, and she retreated from the public eye for several years to grieve and reflect on their legacies.