Lenny Kaye

Pioneering Punk Guitarist and Patti Smith Group Member

Lenny Kaye is an American guitarist, composer, and writer who is best known for his work with Patti Smith. He has been a key member of the Patti Smith Group since its inception in the early 1970s, contributing to the creation of seminal punk and art rock albums such as "Horses" and "Easter." Kaye's career spans several decades, during which he has also worked as a music historian and producer. He compiled the influential 1972 anthology album "Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965–1968," which is credited with helping to spark interest in garage rock and pre-punk music from the 1960s. In addition to his work with Patti Smith and his historical compilations, Kaye has released solo work and collaborated with numerous other artists across various genres. His contributions to music have made him a respected figure in the rock community.