BREAKING: Punk legend Patti Smith has revealed a stunning personal discovery in her latest memoir, Bread of Angels, published on November 4, 2023. On her 70th birthday, Smith learned that she is half Jewish, a revelation that has reshaped her understanding of family and identity.
In her memoir, Smith, known as the Godmother of Punk, shares her emotional journey after taking a DNA test with her sister following their mother’s passing. The results confirmed that her patrilineal ancestry is “100 percent Ashkenazi.” Smith recalls the moment of revelation, stating, “We wept” upon seeing the results, which profoundly affected her ability to create.
The discovery unveiled a new layer to her family history: her biological father, Sidney, was a Jewish pilot whose family fled from Russia to Ukraine before settling in Philadelphia. Reflecting on the emotional impact, Smith admitted, “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted.” She expressed deep affection for the man who raised her, Grant Smith, saying, “Grant will always be my father. But now I have two fathers.”
Smith acknowledges her limited knowledge about her biological father but feels a strong connection to him. “I recognise myself in his face,” she wrote, emphasizing the emotional and psychological implications of this newfound identity. This revelation helped her understand aspects of herself that previously seemed unique in her family.
The memoir also highlights the secrecy surrounding her ancestry. Smith praised her mother for protecting her from the truth, stating, “This is how great my mother was. She never said a word to make me feel that he wasn’t.” She recalls a poignant memory from 2002 when her mother hinted at a story about genetics, a conversation that would remain unresolved due to her mother’s sudden health decline.
Smith’s story resonates not just as a personal recounting but as a reflection on the complexities of family and identity. The artist, who was 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, has consistently woven her life experiences into her art. Her groundbreaking 1975 album Horses is celebrated as one of the first true punk rock albums, merging rock with poetic expression.
This revelation is significant not only for Smith but also for her fans and the broader cultural community. As she continues to explore her ancestry, the implications of this discovery will likely influence her future work and public persona.
Stay tuned for updates on Patti Smith’s journey as she navigates this new chapter of her life. For continuous news coverage, sign up for our free daily newsletter.
