Punk Legend Patti Smith Celebrates Her Birthday By Giving Gratitude Back To Fans

Patti Smith, the punk legend and poet, may have taught many generations of listeners how to spell 'G-L-O-R-I-A' since the 1970s.

Today, however, Smith's fans may be spelling two certain words in her honor: 'h-a-p-p-y b-i-r-t-h-d-a-y.'

The pieces of Smith's legacy as a writer and singer began to be put into place in the late 1960s and early 1970s as she explored the art scene in New York City. Smith's songwriting would make its way on the NYC music scene by 1975 with the release of her seminal LP, "Horses." Eventually hailed as one of the most important albums of the era and as an influence on countless musicians who came after her, "Horses" would give music listeners a glimpse into Smith's deep connection to songwriting and poetry.

Nearly five decades after the release of "Horses," Smith's career is still going strong. Her memoir, "Just Kids," details Smith's early days in New York City and deeply explores her relationship with the late artist, Robert Mapplethorpe, has become one of the most notable rock memoirs of the past decade.

Smith, who was married to The MC5's Fred 'Sonic' Smith from 1980 until his death in 1994, is a frequent Instagram user, writing the captions of her posts in a poetic style that greatly favors the 'return' key. The "Because The Night" singer wrote a birthday-themed note to her fans to commemorate her big day.

Smith's relationship with her writing is a deeply personal one, greatly inspired by important moments and artifacts collected over her 76 years.

When Smith isn't detailing her life on Instagram through short and concise captions, she is often working on books. Smith has written volumes of poetry since the Seventies and is still writing and releasing them regularly. In addition to "Just Kids," Smith released another memoir, "M Train", in 2015.

Smith's latest book focuses on photographs from her daily life, a similar concept to what her followers regularly see on Instagram.

She recently sat down with Harper's Bazaar to discuss her writing process and how "A Book Of Days" came to be.

"I've survived [because] I want to live. Even in our troubled world... I want to be alive," Smith tells the publication. "I want to breathe. I want to do my work."

On Friday, Smith commemorated her birthday by posting a selfie on Instagram, but the message she wanted to convey to her followers transcended way beyond herself.

In the photo, Smith poses in front of a bookshelf, looking thoughtful.

She writes,

"This is

thanking everyone

for your birthday

good wishes. All

that you wish for

me I send back

to you all in kind."

Smith's comment section is currently filled with over a thousand wishes, including those from artists and musicians. Flea, of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, wrote, "happy happy happy birthday Patti!"

A fan wrote, "i may write down here a lot of things, but nothing could ever express how special you are. every year i pray for you in this day, because your life, your thoughts and your art are something that makes our experiences in this world a way easier. "we are all alive together," what an honor! lots of love to you, patti lee! rock tonight at brooklyn steel i'll be there in spirit. it's time to celebrate!"

There is a lot for Smith to celebrate, indeed! Patti Smith's latest book, "A Book Of Days," is now available!