UPDATE: Punk icon Patti Smith has made a stunning revelation in her new memoir, Bread of Angels, confirming she is half Jewish. The announcement comes as she reflects on her life at 70 years old, marking a significant personal discovery that has resonated deeply with her fans and followers.
In a shocking turn of events, Smith learned of her Jewish heritage on her birthday, October 30, 2016, after taking a DNA test with her sister following their mother’s passing. The results unveiled that her paternal ancestry is “100 percent Ashkenazi,” leading to an emotional response. Smith openly shared that she and her sister “wept” upon receiving the news, which profoundly impacted her creative process. “It put a great strain on my thought process, and for some time I was unable to write,” she revealed.
The memoir, released on November 4, 2023, details her father’s background, identifying him as Sidney Smith, a Jewish pilot whose family fled from Russia to Ukraine before settling in Philadelphia. Smith expressed her feelings about the revelation, admitting, “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted.” Although she learned that the man who raised her was not her biological father, she affirmed, “Grant will always be my father. But now I have two fathers.”
Smith’s discovery sheds light on her identity and creative influences. She stated, “I recognise myself in his face,” suggesting a deep connection to her newfound heritage. The emotional weight of this information was immense, as she noted how it explained “the things about yourself that the rest of the family doesn’t have.”
In a poignant reflection on her family dynamics, Smith praised her late mother for keeping the secret throughout her life. “This is how great my mother was. She never said a word to make me feel that he wasn’t,” she recalled, emphasizing her mother’s protective instincts.
The memoir also touches on a family mystery regarding her paternity. Smith noted that her maternal great-grandmother had long harbored doubts, suspecting that her father was not who she believed. This unspoken rumor suggested a possible link to her great-uncle, a notion that was ultimately dismissed by her parents.
Patti Smith’s influence in the music world is undeniable. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, she is celebrated as a pivotal figure in the punk rock movement. Her groundbreaking debut album, Horses, released in 1975, is heralded as the first true punk rock album, blending rock with poetry and redefining musical boundaries.
This revelation is not just a personal milestone for Smith; it resonates with many who grapple with their identities and family histories. As her memoir continues to attract attention, fans and readers are encouraged to engage with her story.
Stay updated on this developing story as Patti Smith’s journey unfolds and impacts her legacy in contemporary music. To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.
