Patti Smith Reveals Discovery About Her Biological Father
The 77-year-old musician and writer, often called the "godmother of punk," has shared how she learned the man who raised her was not her biological father.
New Biography Release
In her book Bread of Angels, published on 4 November 2025 by Random House, Patti Smith revisits her life and career. The book follows her National Book Award-winning memoir Just Kids and traces her journey from childhood in Chicago to her years in music and motherhood.
Family Revelation
The significant discovery about her father came through DNA testing, revealing that the man she grew up calling "dad" was not her biological parent. This revelation changed Patti's understanding of her family.
"The revelation about my dad changed my understanding of my family."
Summary
The book details how DNA testing helped Patti Smith uncover her true parentage, adding a new dimension to her personal history.
Author's Summary
Patti Smith’s discovery about her biological father reshaped her view of family, a revelation she shares in her new memoir reflecting on her extraordinary life.