BREAKING: Punk icon Patti Smith has made a stunning revelation in her new memoir, Bread of Angels, confirming that she discovered she is half Jewish on her 70th birthday. This personal journey, shared in her memoir published on November 4, 2023, uncovers deep family secrets that have reshaped her identity.
In a powerful narrative, Smith details how a DNA test taken with her sister revealed their patrilineal ancestry as “100 percent Ashkenazi.” The emotional moment came eight years ago, following the death of their mother, when they learned that Smith’s biological father was a Jewish pilot named Sidney Smith, who fled from Russia to Ukraine before settling in Philadelphia.
Smith recalls the profound impact of this discovery, stating, “We wept” upon seeing the results. The news has had a significant emotional toll on her, writing that it “put a great strain on my thought process, and for some time I was unable to write.”
Reflecting on her upbringing, she expressed bittersweet feelings about the man who raised her, Grant Smith, saying, “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted. Grant will always be my father. But now I have two fathers.” Smith noted that while she doesn’t know much about her biological father, she finds a sense of recognition in his features and demeanor.
The revelation has sparked a wave of interest, with fans and followers eager to understand the personal story behind one of rock’s greatest icons. Smith, a towering figure in music and poetry, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and is often celebrated as the “Godmother of Punk.” Her 1975 debut album, Horses, is widely considered a seminal work in punk rock.
In her memoir, Smith also shares an emotional account of her last conversation with her mother, who hinted at a family secret related to “genetics” during a call in 2002. Tragically, their next meeting occurred in a hospital after her mother suffered a fall, leaving Smith without answers to the mysterious story.
Adding to the complexity, Smith reveals that her maternal great-grandmother had long suspected she was not the biological child of Grant Smith, suggesting a rumor that her great-uncle might be her true father. This family speculation was never confirmed, leaving Smith to grapple with her identity for years.
Smith’s journey has resonated deeply with readers, as she navigates the emotional landscape of family secrets and personal identity. Her candid storytelling inspires others to explore their own family histories and the complexities that come with them.
As fans digest this latest development, Smith’s memoir promises to be a compelling exploration of identity, legacy, and the ties that bind families together.
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