Patti Smith Reveals Discovery About Her Biological Father
The 77-year-old musician and writer, often called the "godmother of punk," shared how she found out that the man who raised her was not her biological father. This revelation profoundly affected her understanding of her family.
New Memoir: Bread of Angels
Published on 4 November 2025 by Random House, Bread of Angels revisits Patti Smith’s life and career. It follows her National Book Award-winning memoir Just Kids and traces her journey from childhood in Chicago through her years of music and motherhood.
The Discovery
In the book, Smith reveals that DNA testing uncovered the truth about her paternity.
"She was not fathered by the man she grew up calling her dad."
Impact on Family Understanding
This personal discovery reshaped Patti Smith’s perception of her family history and identity.
Author's summary: Patti Smith’s new memoir reveals the life-changing discovery that the man who raised her was not her biological father, altering her view of family and identity.