Patti Smith on Discovering Her Biological Father
Patti Smith, the legendary singer-songwriter, is marking the 50th anniversary of her debut album Horses while also releasing her new memoir Bread Of Angels, a work she had been developing for over a decade.
In Bread Of Angels, Smith reflects on her life, from her working-class roots in Philadelphia and South Jersey to her retreat from public life. The book also unveils deeply personal revelations about family and identity.
The Revelation
Smith recounts that in 2002, during a telephone conversation, her mother mentioned having “a story” about “genetics.” When Smith later visited her in the hospital after a fall to ask for details, she was met only with silence and confusion.
“She had a story for me about genetics,” Smith recalls in the book.
The DNA Discovery
Years later, in 2012, Smith and her sister Linda decided to take a DNA test. The results revealed that they were half-sisters and that Grant Smith was not Patti’s biological father.
The memoir traces this emotional journey, capturing both the mystery and tenderness with which Smith approached uncovering her origins.
Publication and Reception
Bread Of Angels was officially released on November 4, 2025, by Bloomsbury Books UK. Early reactions highlight its intimate tone and vivid storytelling, offering readers a new window into Smith’s life and art.
“Bread of Angels takes us through her childhood and teenage years where the first glimmers of art and romance take hold.”
As the anniversary of Horses coincides with this new memoir, Smith’s reflections bridge past and present, blending artistic legacy with personal discovery.
Author’s Summary
In Bread Of Angels, Patti Smith intertwines her artistic journey with a poignant search for her biological roots, revealing untold truths that shaped her creative spirit.