BREAKING: Punk legend Patti Smith has revealed a stunning personal revelation in her new memoir, Bread of Angels, confirming she is half Jewish, a truth she learned on her 70th birthday. In a profound twist, Smith discovered her ancestry through a DNA test, leading to an emotional journey that has captivated fans and followers.
The memoir, released on November 4, details how Smith and her sister took the test following their mother’s death, uncovering that their father was entirely Ashkenazi. Smith reflects on the moment of discovery, stating, “We wept” upon realizing the impact this revelation would have on her identity and family history.
Smith, known as the Godmother of Punk, has long been a pivotal figure in New York City’s music scene since the 1970s, sharing stages with icons like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. The revelation about her biological father, Sidney, a Jewish pilot from a family that fled to Ukraine and later settled in Philadelphia, adds a significant layer to her already complex narrative.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted,” Smith admitted, reflecting on the fact that her adoptive father, Grant Smith, was not her biological parent. “Grant will always be my father. But now I have two fathers,” she shared, emphasizing the emotional weight of this duality.
In her memoir, she elaborates on the impact of this newfound knowledge, 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 poignant connection highlights the significance of family heritage and the personal journey of self-discovery.
Smith’s recounting of her relationship with her mother sheds light on the complexity of family secrets. “This is how great my mother was,” she writes, revealing that her mother protected her from the truth about her ancestry, knowing she favored her father. The memoir recounts a tender moment in 2002, when she last spoke to her mother before a tragic accident altered their lives forever.
The emotional depth of her story resonates widely, particularly given Smith’s substantial influence on modern music and poetry. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, Smith’s debut album, Horses, released in 1975, is hailed as a seminal punk rock record.
This revelation is not just a personal journey for Smith; it invites readers to reflect on their identities and the hidden stories within their families. As fans and followers react to this unexpected disclosure, Smith’s candid exploration of her heritage has sparked discussions about the complexities of family, identity, and belonging.
As Smith continues to navigate her newfound heritage, the world watches closely. For fans of her music and poetry, this memoir promises not just a glimpse into the life of an iconic artist, but also an exploration of what it means to belong.
Stay tuned for further updates on Smith’s journey and insights from her memoir.
