New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Grey PR) Grey announced today that its Fifth Annual
Legends of
Music Seminar will feature Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith, the American singer-songwriter, poet, author and artist, who is widely regarded as the "Godmother of Punk" on Friday, June 24th (1:45 p.m. Cannes time) at the Debussy Theater.
The event, part of the 58th International Advertising Festival, follows several years of success for the Grey music seminar with legends Yoko Ono, who was the smash of Cannes in 2010, Little Steven Van Zandt in 2009, Tony Bennett in 2008 and Donovan and John Legend in 2007.
At Grey's annual seminar on music and its place in the creative process, Smith will talk about her fascinating life, including her early years with Robert Mapplethorpe, the subject of her recent autobiography, "Just Kids", which was a 2010 recipient of the National Book Award. Additionally, Smith will discuss her seminal musical contributions and work, her poetry and her visual artistic endeavors in what should be one of the most compelling and informative hours of the whole Cannes week.
It is hoped that she will read poetry and perform music live.
Patti Smith said, "The vision and process of the artist may be his own, but the fruits of his labors, ultimately, belong to the people. For the definitive goal of any artist, in all mediums, is to communicate, inspire, and incite, and an open line with the people he serves is his greatest reward."
Patti Smith will be interviewed by Tim Mellors, Vice Chairman and Worldwide Chief Creative Director, Grey Group. She will be introduced by Jim Heekin, Chairman and CEO of Grey Group.
"For me, Patti is the point where Dylan collides with the New York Dolls; Leonard Cohen crashes into The Velvet Underground," Tim Mellors said. "She melds the muscularity of Rimbaud and Rambo in Peter Pan's tiny frame."
About Smith's relevance to music and advertising, Jim Heekin said, "Patti's unique understanding of creativity is a wonderful and insightful lesson to anyone who hopes to flourish in the world of music, art or communication. She's truly an inspired artistic force."
