Patti Smith receiving PEN Literary Service Award

Patti Smith is being awarded the 2020 PEN Literary Service Award, given to authors who write about “the human condition”, the Rolling Stone reports. “She has testified to the transformative power of literature in her own life, and used her stardom to encourage reading and writing in the legions who revere her” - PEN President Jennifer Egan said in a statement, adding she "set an example of badass female artistry, coupled with deeply principled humanity". Previous recipients include Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison, and Bob Woodward.