Punk Icon Patti Smith Is Awarded Key To NYC By Mayor

NEW YORK CITY — For a few minutes Monday morning, the City Hall briefing room felt reminscent of CBGB in the 1970s as punk icon Patti Smith was awarded a key to the city by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

It was the latest in a spree of keys that de Blasio has doled out during the last few weeks of his term, which ends Dec. 31. Other honorees included Brooklyn's own Sen. Chuck Schumer and music mogul Clive Davis.

"Patti Smith had an authenticity and has an authenticity that you just didn't find ... that many other places," de Blasio said Monday. "An ability to cut through all the swirl around us and speak some more profound truths."

Smith's long list of accolades include an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a National Book Award for her her 2010 memoir, "Just Kids."

Still, the vocalist, who turns 75 on Thursday, seemed genuinely touched by the recognition, calling it "awesome."

"I came here in 1967 from a rural area of South Jersey. I had just a few dollars in my pocket, nowhere to stay, no real prospects," she said.

"I found that the city, with all of its diversities and possibilities, if you're willing to work, if you maintain your enthusiasm — you'll make it."

Smith was joined by musician Lenny Kaye, a longtime collaborator and Manhattan native who turned 74 on Monday. To celebrate their shared birthdays, de Blasio presented the rockers with cupcakes before the two performed Smith's 1978 song, "Ghost Dance."