Patti Smith has had quite an extraordinaire life. Less known was her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe which she just wrote about in her new Memoirs: Just Kids.

Listen to the NPR Fresh Air Interview where she describes her first encounter with Robert Mapplethorpe: him awaking with a smile on his face. How they became roommates, soul mates, friends, lovers and muses. Just listening at her broken voice about her desires, her inspiration and her mission is awe-inspiring. As well as how all those that helped shape her persona from Bob Dylan to Arthur Rimbaud made the woman that she is today.

Want more: read the NYT article.

Listen to:

Interview of Patti Smith on NPR

Merci Nathalie!