1988 Punk Rock Song That Became a Timeless Anthem Debuted 38 Years Ago Today
Patti Smith's punk rock song "People Have the Power," which became a timeless protest anthem, debuted 38 years ago today.
On June 1, 1988, Smith released the track as the lead single of her album Dream of Life. She co-wrote the song with her husband, Fred "Sonic" Smith, who died in 1994. Fred, an MC5 guitarist, died at 46 from heart failure.
Although "People Have the Power" never charted on the main Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, it did make it to No. 19 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart in 1988. Years later, it remains one of Smith's signature songs. The track has been performed at political rallies and public demonstrations, thanks to its message of people coming together to make a collective difference.
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In a March 2026 interview with The Current, Patti reflected on the impact "People Have the Power" has had and the inspiration behind it.
"That was, of all of the songs that we wrote, that he was the most proud of," Patti recalled. "He started writing it in hopes that-this was some time ago-that Jesse Jackson would be running for president. He wanted us to write a song to offer him, and then he didn't run."
She continued, "So we had this song, and he also wanted a song that the people, globally, could have if they needed a song, if they needed a voice, if they needed someone to speak for them. And Fred didn't live long enough to see this happen, but I did. My children have."
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Of "People Have the Power," Patti also pointed out, "When we sing it with the people, you know, people always join in wherever we are. I always feel his presence. You know, I'm sorry that people have to suffer, of course, and need a song like that. But if they need it and use it, it makes me happy for him because that was his primary goal."
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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 3:14 AM.