UPDATE: Punk icon Patti Smith has made a groundbreaking revelation in her latest memoir, Bread of Angels, confirming that she discovered on her 70th birthday that she is half Jewish. This announcement is creating a stir in the music community and beyond.
In her memoir, published on November 4, Smith reveals that after taking a DNA test with her sister, they learned their biological father, Sidney, was a Jewish pilot with roots traceable to Russia and Ukraine. The emotional impact of this discovery left the legendary artist feeling “a bit broken-hearted,” as it meant that the man she grew up calling father, Grant Smith, was not her biological dad.
Smith recalls the moment with striking clarity: “We wept upon seeing the results.” She describes how this revelation “put a great strain on my thought process,” leading to a temporary block in her writing. The singer, often hailed as the Godmother of Punk, reflects on the significance of understanding her ancestry: “I recognise myself in his face… I can just feel it.”
The emotional weight of this news is compounded by the fact that her mother had kept this secret throughout her life. Smith praised her mother for protecting her from the truth, stating, “My mother knew that I favoured my father, so she never said a word to make me feel that he wasn’t. She did her best to protect me.”
The memoir also touches on family mysteries, including doubts expressed by Smith’s maternal great-grandmother regarding her paternity. These revelations add layers to Smith’s identity, showing how personal history intertwines with the broader narrative of her life and career.
With her powerful debut album Horses in 1975, which is widely considered the first true punk rock album, Smith has profoundly influenced modern music and poetry. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, she remains a towering figure in the arts, blending rock with poetry throughout her career.
As fans and followers process this new chapter in Smith’s life, the memoir promises to provide further insights into her journey. The implications of her discovery resonate beyond personal identity, touching on themes of family, legacy, and the complexities of heritage.
Stay tuned for more updates on Patti Smith’s revelations and their impact on her storied career. For more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.
