BREAKING: Patti Smith Reveals She is Half Jewish in New Memoir
Legendary punk icon Patti Smith has made a stunning revelation in her latest memoir, Bread of Angels, published on November 4, 2023. On her 70th birthday, Smith discovered that she is half Jewish, learning about her patrilineal ancestry through a DNA test taken with her sister after their mother’s death. This shocking news has sent ripples through the music world and beyond, prompting fans and followers to engage deeply with her personal journey.
Smith, known as the Godmother of Punk, was at the forefront of New York City’s vibrant counterculture in the 1970s. She reveals that her biological father, Sidney Smith, was a Jewish pilot whose family fled Russia, later settling in Philadelphia. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted,” Smith writes about the revelation that the man she considered her father, Grant Smith, was not her biological parent. “Grant will always be my father. But now I have two fathers,” she adds, highlighting the emotional complexity of her newfound identity.
The memoir details how Smith and her sister were left in tears upon seeing the DNA results, which confirmed they were “100 percent Ashkenazi.” Smith describes how this discovery altered her perception of self, stating, “It put a great strain on my thought process, and for some time I was unable to write.” This poignant moment is a testament to how identity shapes artistry and personal growth.
Smith recalls a significant day in 2002 when she had a routine conversation with her mother about her evolving voice. It was during this call that her mother hinted at a family secret regarding their genetics, a conversation that would never fully unfold due to her mother’s subsequent health issues. “She was never the same,” Smith reflected on her mother’s decline after a fall that led to surgery. This heartbreaking turn of events left Smith yearning for answers that would never come.
In her memoir, Smith also reveals that her maternal great-grandmother had long harbored doubts about her paternity, suggesting that the man who raised her was not her biological father. Despite these family whispers, the topic was never addressed openly. Smith notes the profound impact of these revelations: “I recognise myself in his face. I’ve only seen a couple of pictures, but the same attitude. I can just feel it.”
This latest revelation adds a new layer to Smith’s already rich narrative as an influential figure in modern music and poetry. 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 impact on the punk genre is undeniable. Her groundbreaking 1975 debut album, Horses, is credited with blending rock and poetry, solidifying her legacy in the music industry.
The emotional depth of Smith’s journey resonates deeply with fans, and her candid exploration of identity invites a broader conversation about heritage and self-discovery. As news of her memoir spreads, Smith’s revelations are sure to be a hot topic among music lovers and cultural commentators alike.
For those looking for more insights into Smith’s life and her latest revelations, be sure to check out Bread of Angels, which delves into her personal history and the secrets that shaped her artistic vision. This is a story that many will want to share and discuss as it unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and how it continues to impact fans around the world.
