Patti Smith shares in her memoir how she discovered her biological father’s identity.

Patti Smith, a seminal figure in punk rock and an acclaimed author, has shared poignant revelations about her family history in her newly released memoir, “Bread of Angels.” Released by Random House, this book delves into Smith’s unexpected journey of self-discovery, particularly regarding her biological father, whose identity was unknown to her for decades.

The quest for understanding her lineage took a pivotal turn following a 2012 DNA test, which revealed that she and her sister, Linda, are half-siblings. This prompted them to reconsider their familial ties, which had long been obscured by uncertainty. Smith recounts that their maternal grandmother had speculated for years that her father was possibly her mother’s uncle. However, the results of further exploration through an autosomal DNA test provided entirely new insights. The test results, which arrived on her 70th birthday, indicated that her father was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

The revelations did not end there. Smith’s journey towards understanding her origins was enriched by her reunion with a daughter she placed for adoption at the age of 20. That daughter, demonstrating remarkable determination, helped Smith in her search for her biological father, now identified as Sidney. A photograph of Sidney—a “handsome Jewish pilot” with dark wavy hair—was discovered, alongside the fact that he had passed away in 1965.

These profound insights into her family history played a significant role in the writing of “Bread of Angels,” prolonging its publication as Smith grappled with the implications of this newfound information. She expressed that the revelations had a transformative effect on her life narrative, prompting her to reflect on the connections that define her existence.

As Smith approaches her 79th birthday in December, she conveyed the importance of truth in recounting her story. While she initially hesitated to include the details about her father’s identity, she ultimately felt compelled to honor Sidney’s role in her life and to share her experience with others who might find themselves on a similar path of discovery.

This memoir encapsulates not only Smith’s musical legacy but also her journey through the complexities of identity and family, offering readers an intimate glimpse into her life and the truths that shaped it. With its candid exploration of hidden histories, “Bread of Angels” stands as a testament to the ties that bind us and the revelations that can come late in life.

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