Patti Smith on how she tracked down true identity of her biological father

Patti Smith on How She Discovered Her Biological Father’s True Identity

As she celebrates the 50th anniversary of her debut album Horses, singer-songwriter Patti Smith has shared a new layer of her life story in her memoir Bread of Angels, released earlier this week after more than a decade in development.

In the book, Smith reflects on her journey from her working-class roots in Philadelphia and South Jersey to her retreat from the public eye, offering a deeply personal look at her inner world and creative path.

A Family Secret Revealed

“In 2002, during a phone call, my mother said she had a story for me—about genetics.”

According to the memoir, Smith attempted to discuss the mysterious comment when she next visited her mother in the hospital after a fall, but her mother seemed unable to respond, leaving the matter unresolved for years.

The DNA Discovery

It wasn’t until 2012 that Smith decided to take a DNA test with her sister Linda. The results revealed that they were half-sisters and did not share Grant Smith as their biological father.

Memoir Release and Reflection

Bloomsbury Books UK announced the publication of Bread of Angels on November 4, 2025, calling it an intimate journey through Smith’s childhood and early artistic awakenings.

“Bread of Angels takes us through her childhood and teenage years where the first glimmers of art and romance take hold.”

The memoir not only documents how Smith uncovered a family truth long kept hidden but also captures her enduring spirit of curiosity and resilience.

Author’s Summary: Patti Smith’s Bread of Angels intertwines her search for artistic identity with a touching revelation about family roots and personal truth.

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NME NME — 2025-11-08

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