In her long-spanning career, Patti Smith has fully enveloped herself in the arts. Her unique mix of bohemian and rock elements in her music grabbed the attention of music lovers in the 70s, especially on the release of her debut album, Horses. The album is a treasured favorite in her catalog, with fans going back to it time and time again, decade after decade. It is also considered one of the best albums of all time. She is preparing to go on a special 50th anniversary tour of the album, but before she does so, she has some business to take care of as an author…
Over the years, Smith has shared detailed thoughts about her life through the release of various books. Her 2010 memoir, Just Kids, won the National Book Award, as her documentation of love, music, and young adulthood was fiercely revelatory, moving, and captivating. Whether she is touching on her career, flaunting her poetry skills, or showcasing her work as a photographer, Smith carefully displays who she is in her written works, and the latest can be said about her new memoir, Bread of Angels.
In Bread of Angels, Smith recounts the early years of her life and exposes the aspects that shaped her into the icon she is today. Readers will come to learn how Arther Rimbaud and Bob Dylan inspired her to write poetry, which later led to her writing lyrics. From there, they will learn more about the creative process behind Smith’s earlier albums like Horses, Wave, and Easter, which all informed her career in one way or another.
Aside from the music, Bread of Angels also gets into Smith’s personal life. She reflects on her marriage to Fred “Sonic” Smith and starting a family. She recounts the loss she has felt and the gratitude that has entered her life. Through it all, however, she found power in writing, as she has always been able to express herself through words. These words, combined with her artistic ability and wonderous imagination, gave her hope.
Overall, Bread of Angels is described as Smith’s most intimate memoir yet, making it a must for any fan of this legendary being.
Bread of Angels will be released November 4 via Penguin Random House. You can purchase a copy here.
On November 4, Smith will be launching her memoir at the Town Hall Theatre in New York. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Catch Patti Smith on her ‘Horses 50th Anniversary Tour’ here.
