Patti Smith Reveals Family Secrets in New Memoir
Music legend Patti Smith shares intimate family revelations in her eagerly awaited memoir, Bread of Angels. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Smith explains the inspiration behind the book and why she chose to reveal these truths now.
Unexpected Return to Memoir Writing
Known as the godmother of punk, Patti Smith rose to fame in the 1970s with her debut album Horses. She also gained acclaim in the literary world for her 2010 memoir Just Kids, which won the National Book Award. Although Smith never intended to write another memoir, she was moved to do so by a vivid dream she experienced a decade ago.
"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 told PEOPLE.
The Dream That Sparked the Memoir
Smith describes the dream that motivated her new work:
"In my dream, I received a package, and it was a white book, and it had a white ribbon and photographs of dresses that I had owned in my life. My wedding dress, the dress that Robert gave me, the white dress my brother gave me that's on the cover of Wave. And they were all attached to stories about my life, and it was such a beautiful book, and when I woke up, my hands were extended."
About the Author
- Senior Editor at PEOPLE: Colleen Kratofil
- Patti Smith is a punk icon and acclaimed author
- Just Kids won the National Book Award in 2010
Author's summary: Patti Smith's new memoir, inspired by a powerful dream, uncovers hidden family stories, offering readers a deeply personal glimpse into her life beyond music and fame.