BREAKING: Punk icon and legendary singer Patti Smith has unveiled a stunning personal revelation in her new memoir, Bread of Angels, published on November 4, 2023. Smith, known as the Godmother of Punk, discovered that she is half Jewish, stemming from her father’s lineage.
In a deeply emotional account, Smith shares that she learned this life-changing fact on her 70th birthday. Following her mother’s passing, she and her sister took a DNA test, only to find out that their ancestry was “100 percent Ashkenazi.” The results left Smith and her sister in tears, prompting Smith to reflect on her identity and familial connections.
“My biological father, Sidney, was a Jewish pilot whose family fled from Russia to Ukraine before settling in Philadelphia,” Smith writes. This shocking discovery also revealed that the man who raised her, Grant Smith, was not her biological father. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted,” she admitted, emphasizing the complexity of her emotions. “Grant will always be my father, but now I have two fathers.”
Smith reflects on the profound impact of her newfound ancestry, stating, “I don’t know a whole lot about my Jewish father, but everything I’ve found out about him, I recognize. I recognize myself in his face.” This revelation has not only reshaped her understanding of herself but has also provided clarity on aspects of her identity that her family does not share.
The memoir details a poignant moment from 2002, when Smith’s mother hinted at a family secret regarding genetics but was unable to share it after suffering a severe injury. “When I tried to ask about the mysterious ‘story,’ she only stared back at me blankly,” Smith recalled, adding that her maternal great-grandmother had long suspected that her father was not her biological parent.
Smith’s influence on music and poetry remains undeniable. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and ranked 47th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, her groundbreaking 1975 album, Horses, is hailed as a landmark punk rock record.
This revelation, documented in her memoir, adds another layer to the legacy of a woman who has shaped modern music and continues to impact lives with her artistry. With her story unfolding, fans and followers are encouraged to explore Bread of Angels for deeper insights into Smith’s journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the enduring influence of Patti Smith on music and culture. For the latest news, subscribe to our free daily newsletter.
