URGENT UPDATE: Punk icon Patti Smith has revealed a life-changing discovery in her new memoir, Bread of Angels, published on November 4, 2023. On her 70th birthday, Smith learned that she is half Jewish, a revelation that has left her in emotional turmoil and prompted a deep reflection on her identity.
In an astonishing twist, Smith found out through a DNA test that her father, Sidney, was of 100% Ashkenazi descent. The test was conducted with her sister following their mother’s passing, and the results brought tears and a profound sense of confusion. Smith recalls the moment, stating, “We wept upon seeing the results,” adding that the discovery significantly impacted her ability to write.
Smith’s biological father was a Jewish pilot whose family fled Russia to Ukraine before settling in Philadelphia. She expressed mixed emotions about the revelation regarding her upbringing, saying, “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted.” Although she regards the man who raised her, Grant Smith, as her father, she now grapples with the reality of having learned about her other lineage. “Grant will always be my father,” she stated, “But now I have two fathers.”
The memoir delves into the complexities of her family history, revealing that her maternal great-grandmother had long harbored doubts about her paternity. Family rumors speculated that Smith was fathered by her great-uncle, but this was never addressed openly by her parents. Smith reflects on the emotional weight of this hidden truth and praises her mother for protecting her from such revelations.
Smith’s narrative also highlights a poignant moment from 2002, when she and her mother had their usual call discussing her evolving voice. Her mother hinted at a significant “story” regarding genetics, but their next meeting took place in a hospital following a fall, leaving the story untold. “She was never the same,” Smith lamented, emphasizing the deep connection she had with her mother.
As a towering figure in modern music, Smith’s influence cannot be overstated. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and ranked 47th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, her landmark album, Horses, is widely regarded as the first true punk rock album. This latest revelation adds a new layer to her storied legacy, resonating with fans and followers worldwide.
As the news circulates, fans are left contemplating the complexity of identity and heritage in Smith’s life. This discovery is not just a personal revelation; it invites readers to reflect on their own family histories and the secrets that shape us.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. To get the latest news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.
