“To me the idea seems sort of conceited,” Smith told The New York Times in August. “I felt, even though I was 50 years old at the time, too young to do a documentary. I hadn’t done enough work yet to merit a documentary.”

Fortunately for fans (and history), photographer and filmmaker Steven Sebring convinced the singer she was mistaken.

“Patti Smith: Dream of Life,” which PBS’ series “POV” will air Dec. 30 (Smith’s 63rd birthday), is the result of the singer opening her life up to Sebring’s camera for the past 11 years.

The documentary has already been a hit with audiences and critics at more than 30 film festivals across the globe, picking up a trophy for cinematography at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

In addition to “Dream of Life,” Smith’s fans will have the opportunity to catch her live during a three-night stand at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom that kicks off Dec. 29. Additional performances are planned in the coming year for Detroit, Chicago and London.

The singer will also be the subject of an art exhibit at NYC’s Robert Miller Gallery entitled “Objects of Life,” and will do a bookstore tour beginning Jan. 19 behind “Just Kids,” her autobiographical tome detailing her life with her friend Robert Mapplethorpe.

Read The New York Times’ complete coverage of Patti Smith’s media blitz here.

Monday, December 21
Norah Jones, Loni Love, Chris Franjola, Jeff Wild – “Chelsea Lately”
Mary J. Blige – “The Tavis Smiley Show”
Justin Timberlake, Amerie – “Lopez Tonight” – rerun
Adam Lambert – “The Jay Leno Show”
Silversun Pickups – “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”
Leona Lewis – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – rerun
Jeffrey Ross, Julian Casablancas – “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”
Renee Fleming – “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”
Brett Dennen – “Last Call with Carson Daly”

Tuesday, December 22
Boys Like Girls – “The View”
David Archuleta – “Live with Regis and Kelly”
Bill Hader, Smokey Robinson – “The Bonnie Hunt Show” – rerun
Ross Mathews, Jo Koy, Sarah Colonna – “Chelsea Lately”
Demi Lovato, Slash – “Lopez Tonight” – rerun
Colbie Caillat – “Late Show with David Letterman”
Dane Cook – “The Jay Leno Show”
Kid Cudi – “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”
Weezer – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – rerun
Michael McDonald – “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”
Kathy Griffin,Harry Connick Jr. – “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”

Wednesday, December 23
Mary J. Blige – “The View”
Jonas Brothers – “Live with Regis and Kelly” – rerun
Carrie Underwood – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” – rerun
Chris Hardwick, Ben Gleib, Heather McDonald – “Chelsea Lately”
Darlene Love – “Late Show with David Letterman”
Dan Finnerty and the Dan Band – “The Jay Leno Show”
Pee-wee Herman, Jackie, Tito & Marlon Jackson, Passion Pit – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – rerun
Joy Behar – “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon!”

Thursday, December 24
Faith Hill – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” – rerun
Toby Keith – “The Bonnie Hunt Show” – rerun
Adam Lambert, Ross Mathews, Randy Sklar, Jason Sklar – “Chelsea Lately” – rerun
Andy Williams – “The Tavis Smiley Show” – rerun
Regis Philbin, Donny Osmond, Wolfmother – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – rerun
Alicia Keys – “The Colbert Report” – rerun

Friday, December 25
Jason Mraz – “Live with Regis and Kelly” – rerun
Paul Shaffer, Backstreet Boys – “The Bonnie Hunt Show” – rerun
Josh Wolf,Matt Braunger, Jen Kirkman – “Chelsea Lately” – rerun
Martin Short, Kris Allen – “Late Show with David Letterman” – rerun
Louis CK – “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” – rerun
Don Rickles, Band of Skulls – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – rerun
Doves – “Last Call with Carson Daly” – rerun

Saturday, December 26
Arcade Fire – “Austin City Limits” – rerun
Taylor Swift – “Saturday Night Live” – rerun