Patti Smith Shares New Family Revelations in Memoir
Music icon Patti Smith reveals previously undisclosed family secrets in her new memoir, Bread of Angels. The artist opened up exclusively to PEOPLE about the inspiration and timing behind the book.
Background and Inspiration
Patti Smith, known as the godmother of punk, rose to fame in the 1970s with her debut album Horses. She later gained acclaim for her 2010 memoir, Just Kids, which won the National Book Award. Smith originally did not intend to write another memoir.
"I wrote [Just Kids] for Robert [Mapplethorpe] because he asked me to, just hours before he died. And I labored on that book for a long time, and did learn how to write a book such as that, but I hadn't planned to write another," Smith told PEOPLE.
From Dream to Reality
The idea for Bread of Angels came from a vivid dream Smith had a decade ago. In it, she received a white book tied with a ribbon, filled with photographs of dresses she had worn throughout her life—her wedding dress, a dress Robert Mapplethorpe gave her, and a white dress from her brother featured on the cover of Wave. Each dress was linked to stories from her life.
"It was such a beautiful book, and when I woke up, my hands were extended," Smith shared.
Significance of the Memoir
This new work not only sheds light on personal memories but also helps Smith uncover deeper truths about her family, including her biological father, with the assistance of her daughter whom she placed for adoption.
About Bread of Angels
- Focuses on untold family stories
- Marks Smith’s return to nonfiction
- Inspired by a symbolic dream connecting her past and personal history
Colleen Kratofil, Senior TV Editor at PEOPLE, contributed to this exclusive feature.
Author's summary: Patti Smith’s new memoir reveals intimate family truths inspired by a dream, enriching her legacy beyond music and literature.