Patti Smith Shares Family Secrets in New Memoir
Music icon Patti Smith reveals previously unknown family stories in her eagerly awaited memoir, Bread of Angels. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she discusses the inspiration behind the book and why she chose to disclose these truths now.
Unexpected Memoir Following a Dream
Patti Smith, known as the godmother of punk and celebrated for her 1970s breakthrough album Horses and her National Book Award-winning memoir Just Kids, did not originally plan to write another memoir.
“I wrote [Just Kids] for Robert [Mapplethorpe] because he asked me to, just hours before he died. And I labored on that book for a long time, and did learn how to write a book such as that, but I hadn't planned to write another,” Smith shared exclusively with PEOPLE.
Her decision to write this new memoir was sparked by a vivid dream a decade ago.
“In my dream, I received a package, and it was a white book, with a white ribbon and photographs of dresses I had worn throughout my life: my wedding dress, the dress Robert gave me, the white dress my brother gave me that’s on the cover of Wave. Each dress was connected to stories from my life, and it was such a beautiful book. When I woke up, my hands were extended.”
About Patti Smith's Literary Journey
Smith's previous memoir, Just Kids, deeply honored her friendship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe. This new work continues her legacy of intertwining personal history with artistic expression.
Author’s summary: Patti Smith’s new memoir, inspired by a decade-old dream, courageously unveils hidden family truths and deep personal reflections.