Long before Patti Smith made “Gloria” her own, the rock song had already taken on a life of its own. Originally penned by Van Morrison and performed by his band Them in 1964, the tune garnered critical acclaim and chart success, peaking at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1966, the Shadows of Knight released their own version, reaching No. 10 on the charts.
Smith’s rendition of “Gloria: In Excelsis Deo” on her groundbreaking 1975 album Horses marked a pivotal moment in music history. The iconic track, reshaped with elements of Smith’s original poem “Oath,” was ultimately chosen to open the album after recording and mixing. Since its release over 50 years ago, “Gloria: In Excelsis Deo” has become synonymous with the fusion of poetry and rock, earning accolades like No. 97 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Before her musical career, Smith was an accomplished poet, performing spoken word pieces in Manhattan venues. Her writing background is central to her identity, with memoirs like Just Kids winning the National Book Award. Even today, at 79 years old, Smith continues to release literary works, with her latest memoir, Bread of Angels, published in November 2025.
Smith’s influence on generations of musicians and writers is undeniable, as she seamlessly merges poetry, performance, and rock into a unique expressive form. Her exploration of themes like art, freedom, spirituality, and rebellion solidifies her status as a cultural icon and a bridge between literary and musical realms.
To experience “Gloria: In Excelsis Deo” and the rest of Smith’s musical discography, listeners can stream her music on Spotify. The timeless appeal of this poetic rocker continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists across various disciplines for decades to come.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.