Patti Smith on Discovering Her Biological Father's Identity
Renowned singer-songwriter Patti Smith is celebrating the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album Horses. Earlier this week, she released her new memoir titled Bread of Angels, a project more than ten years in the making.
In the book, Smith reflects on her life’s journey — from her working-class roots in Philadelphia and South Jersey to her time away from the public spotlight. The memoir also unveils one of the most personal discoveries of her life.
The Revelation
Smith recounts that in 2002, during a phone call, her mother told her she had “a story” to share “about genetics.” When Smith later visited her mother in the hospital after a fall, she tried to revisit the topic but was met only with silence.
“She had a story for me about genetics,” Smith writes, recalling her mother’s cryptic words before her passing.
Uncovering the Truth
Years later, in 2012, Patti and her sister Linda decided to take a DNA test. The results revealed that they were half-sisters and did not share Grant Smith as their biological father.
A Memoir of Light and Reflection
Bread of Angels takes readers through Smith’s childhood and teenage years, showing how her artistic and emotional world began to form. The book’s release on November 4, 2025, marks both a milestone in her career and a new chapter of self-discovery.
“Bread of Angels sheds light on all aspects of her life – covering everything from her upbringing to her retreat from fame.”
Author’s Summary: Patti Smith’s Bread of Angels intertwines art, memory, and revelation as she uncovers the truth about her biological father while tracing the contours of her own identity.