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

Patti Smith on Discovering Her Biological Father's Identity

Patti Smith, currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of her debut album Horses, has opened up about uncovering the truth about her biological father in her new memoir, Bread Of Angels, released earlier this week. This intimate memoir is the result of over a decade of reflection and work.

Memoir Insights

Bread Of Angels explores all facets of Smith's life, from her working-class upbringing in Philadelphia and South Jersey to her period of withdrawing from the public eye. The book sheds new light on personal and family revelations.

The Revelation

In 2002, during a phone conversation, Smith’s mother mentioned she had “a story” about “genetics.” When Smith tried to discuss this in person during her mother's hospital stay after a fall, she was met with silence.

“A story about genetics.”

Further Discoveries

In 2012, Patti and her sister Linda took a DNA test which revealed they were actually half-sisters and did not share the same father, Grant Smith.

Official Announcement

The publisher Bloomsbury Books UK shared the memoir’s cover and described how Bread Of Angels traces Smith’s childhood and teenage years, where early signs of art and romance began to emerge.

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

Bread Of Angels was released on November 4, 2025.

Summary: Patti Smith’s memoir reveals her journey to uncover her true paternity, highlighting decades of family secrets alongside her artistic and personal growth.

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NME NME — 2025-11-08

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