Patti Smith Reflects on Her Philadelphia and South Jersey Roots

Patti Smith, an iconic figure in music and poetry, is celebrating her deep-rooted connections to Philadelphia and South Jersey. Known for her significant role in the 1970s punk rock scene, Smith will mark the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking album, Horses, at the Met Philadelphia.

Patti Smith’s Philadelphia and South Jersey Roots

Though often identified as a New Yorker, Patti Smith emphasizes that her formative years were spent primarily in Philadelphia and rural South Jersey. “I was pretty much formed by the time I got to New York,” she explained, highlighting the influence of her early environment on her artistic identity.

Concert Celebrations and New Memoir

On Saturday, Smith will perform Horses in full at the Met, accompanied by her longtime collaborator Lenny Kaye, drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, bassist Tony Shanahan, and her son, Jackson Smith, on guitar. Following this performance, she will promote her new memoir, Bread of Angels, at Marian Anderson Hall.

• Event: 50th Anniversary Concert of Horses
• Date: Saturday
• Venue: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
• Performance Time: 8 p.m.

A Reflective Memoir: Bread of Angels

Bread of Angels offers an extensive look into Smith’s life, diverging from her previous works by encompassing her entire narrative rather than focusing on singular events. The memoir opens with her early years in Chicago, followed by her childhood in Philadelphia.

Smith recalls living in various neighborhoods in Philadelphia, including Germantown and South Philadelphia, moving multiple times during her youth. She fondly describes her childhood adventures as well as meaningful moments that shaped her artistic journey.

Discovering Art and Music in Her Youth

During her upbringing, Philadelphia served as a cultural backdrop for Smith. She discovered rock and roll through her first Bob Dylan records purchased in Center City. Visits to the Philadelphia Museum of Art sparked her love for visual arts, with artists like Pablo Picasso and John Singer Sargent leaving a lasting impression.

Significant Life Revelations

A notable aspect of Bread of Angels is the shocking discovery uncovered through DNA testing, revealing that Smith’s biological father was a different man than she had believed. This revelation led to an introspective journey, prompting her to reflect on her identity and familial connections.

“I loved and admired my father. I felt sad because I didn’t have his blood,” Smith expressed, acknowledging the complexity of her emotions regarding her parentage.

Events Ahead

Patti Smith’s Philadelphia roots continue to inspire her creative works. On December 30, she will turn 79, and she remains a dynamic performer and storyteller. Her upcoming performance, “Patti Smith: Songs & Stories,” alongside her children, promises to be a special event, showcasing her lasting connection to her family and Philadelphia.

• Event: “Patti Smith: Songs & Stories”
• Date: Monday
• Venue: Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad St.
• Performance Time: 7 p.m.

Patti Smith continues to touch hearts and inspire audiences worldwide. Her reflections on her Philadelphia and South Jersey roots serve as a powerful reminder of the places and experiences that shape our identities.