Lenny Kaye

Lenny Kaye (né Kusikoff; born December 27, 1946) is an American guitarist, composer, and writer, notable for his work with the Patti Smith Group, his contributions to music magazines, and his garage rock retrospective anthology Nuggets.

Early life and education Kaye was born to Jewish parents in Washington Heights, New York City. His father changed the family name from Kusikoff to Kaye when Lenny was one year old.

As a child, Kaye played the accordion and collected records. He attended high school in North Brunswick, New Jersey. His personal collection of fanzines later formed the foundation of the Lenny Kaye Science Fiction Fanzine Library at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

Kaye graduated from Rutgers University with a major in American history in 1967. During college he had begun playing in bands at fraternities and other college events.

Career

Kaye's uncle, the songwriter Larry Kusik—who wrote lyrics to "A Time For Us" and "Speak Softly Love"—asked him to sing for the Ritchie Adams song "You Were Mine" in 1965. He became music editor for the men's magazine Cavalier and was the New York correspondent for the British magazine Disc. With David Dalton, he co-authored the book Rock 100.

Discography "Crazy Like a Fox" b/w "Shock Me" (as Link Cromwell; Hollywood Records, 1966) I've Got a Right (Giorno Poetry Systems, 1984) "Child Bride" b/w "The Tracks of My Tears" (Mer Records, 1980) Daddy Rockin Strong: A Tribute to Nolan Strong & The Diablos (The Wind / Norton Records, 2010); track: "I Wanna Know" Uma Estrela Misteriosa Revelará o Segredo (Relicário, 2024) Live at the BBC 10" Vinyl (2026, IN.2 Records/Cadiz Music) Goin' Local (2026) Lenny Kaye & Friends - Riot on Oxford Street CD/LP (2026, IN.2 Records/Cadiz Music)