Patti Smith Discovers Jewish Heritage in New Memoir

Legendary singer and punk icon Patti Smith has revealed a profound personal 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 stemming from a DNA test taken with her sister after their mother’s passing. The results indicated that Smith’s patrilineal ancestry is “100 per cent Ashkenazi,” leading to an emotional journey of self-exploration.

Smith, who is often referred to as the Godmother of Punk, has had a significant impact on the music scene since the 1970s, alongside contemporaries such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. The discovery of her Jewish heritage has stirred a complex mix of emotions. She reflected on her feelings of loss and the sense of identity that this revelation has provided. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit broken-hearted,” she stated, acknowledging the impact of learning that her biological father was not the man who raised her, Grant Smith.

A Journey of Discovery

Smith’s biological father, Sidney, was a Jewish pilot with roots tracing back to Russia. He fled to Ukraine before ultimately settling in Philadelphia. The emotional weight of this discovery is evident in her memoir, where she describes the moment she and her sister received the test results. “We wept,” she recalled, explaining how the knowledge put a strain on her thought process and temporarily hindered her ability to write.

In her memoir, Smith expresses a sense of recognition in the face of her Jewish ancestry. “I don’t know a whole lot about my Jewish father, but everything I’ve found out about him, I recognise. I recognise myself in his face,” she wrote, highlighting a connection that transcends the unknown. The emotional journey also underscores her respect for her mother, who chose to keep this secret throughout her life. “This is how great my mother was. She did her best to protect me,” Smith noted.

Reflections on Family

The memoir also touches on family dynamics and the long-held suspicions surrounding her paternity. Smith revealed that her maternal great-grandmother had doubts about her fatherhood, suggesting a family rumor that her biological father could have been her great-uncle. Despite these whispers, the topic remained unaddressed by her parents, illustrating the complexities of family secrets.

Smith recalls a poignant conversation with her mother just before her passing, where they discussed her evolving voice and hinted at a significant story regarding her genetics. Tragically, after her mother’s fall and subsequent surgery, the opportunity for clarity vanished. Smith’s reflections provide insight into how personal identity can be shaped by both known and unknown factors.

Recognized as a towering figure in modern music and poetry, Smith was 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 1975 debut album, Horses, is celebrated for its groundbreaking fusion of rock and poetry, firmly establishing her legacy in the punk rock genre.

Through her memoir, Smith not only shares her journey of identity and discovery but also reflects on the broader implications of heritage and family connections, encouraging readers to explore their own narratives.