Patti Smith Reveals Search for Biological Father's Identity
Patti Smith is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of her debut album Horses. Earlier this week, she released her new memoir, Bread of Angels, a project that has taken over a decade to complete.
Memoir Highlights
Bread of Angels offers an intimate look at Smith's life, covering her working-class upbringing in Philadelphia and South Jersey, as well as her retreat from public life.
“In 2002, during a phone call, my mother said she had ‘a story’ for me ‘about genetics’.”
Smith attempted to discuss this further when her mother was hospitalized after a fall, but was met with silence.
Discovery Through DNA Testing
In 2012, Smith and her sister Linda took a DNA test which revealed they were actually half-sisters, sharing different fathers. They learned that Grant Smith was not Patti's biological father.
Smith shared, “We took a DNA test together and found out we were actually half-sisters.”
Background and Release
- Bread of Angels explores Smith's childhood and teenage years, where art and romance first inspired her.
- The book was released on November 4, 2025.
Official Announcement
“Bread of Angels takes us through her childhood and teenage years where the first glimmers of art and romance take hold.” — Bloomsbury Books UK
Smith's memoir sheds new light on her personal history, revealing deeply personal family truths after years of searching.
Summary: Patti Smith's new memoir reveals her decade-long journey uncovering her true biological father through a DNA test, reshaping her understanding of family and identity.