Sinéad O’Connor, acclaimed Dublin singer, dies aged 56.
The family of the singer expressed profound sorrow as they announced the passing of their beloved Sinéad. They shared that her family and friends are devastated and have asked for privacy during this challenging period.
The highly-regarded Dublin artist had an impressive career, having released 10 studio albums. One of her most renowned songs, "Nothing Compares 2 U," written by the musician Prince, received global acclaim and was honored as the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards. This iconic ballad reached the top of charts worldwide and earned her three Grammy nominations. The accompanying music video, directed by English filmmaker John Maybury, consisted mostly of a close-up of O’Connor’s face as she sung the lyrics and became as famous as her recording of the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-EF60neguk
In 1991, Rolling Stone magazine named O'Connor "Artist of the Year" in recognition of the tremendous success of her song. Recently, she was honored with the inaugural "Classic Irish Album" award at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards.
Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor was born in Glenageary, Co Dublin, in December 1966, and her early life was marked by hardships. Raised as one of five children, she courageously spoke about enduring physical abuse from her mother, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1985. At the tender age of 15, due to shoplifting and truancy issues, she was placed under care. However, it was during this period that her exceptional musical talents were discovered. In 1987, she released her debut album, "The Lion And The Cobra," which received widespread acclaim from critics.
In 1990, O'Connor made a significant statement by declaring her refusal to go on stage in New Jersey if the performance of the Star-Spangled Banner took place. Throughout her career, she was vocal about the child abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, and this advocacy brought her considerable attention. In 1992, she made headlines once again during her appearance as a guest on Saturday Night Live when she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, making a bold and controversial statement on the show. Later on, O'Connor pursued a path in religion and was ordained as a priest by a bishop affiliated with an independent Catholic group. She expressed her desire to be addressed as Mother Bernadette Mary.
Throughout her career, the singer-songwriter didn't shy away from voicing her opinions and criticisms about other celebrities. She publicly attacked stars like Madonna and Prince. In 2013, she wrote an open letter on her website to Miley Cyrus, advising the young star to avoid falling victim to sexual exploitation in the music industry.
Sinéad O'Connor's life and career have been marked by various controversial and outspoken moments that have kept her in the public eye over the years. In August 2017, O'Connor deeply concerned her fans when she uploaded a tearful video to Facebook. In the video, she candidly expressed her struggles with mental health issues, revealing that she was feeling "suicidal" at the time. This emotional revelation raised widespread concern for her well-being and brought attention to the importance of addressing mental health challenges openly and compassionately.
In January 2022, a heartbreaking tragedy struck Sinéad O'Connor's family when her 17-year-old son, Shane, was found dead. He had been reported missing two days prior to the devastating discovery. The loss of her son undoubtedly brought immeasurable sorrow to O'Connor and her loved ones, and it was a deeply difficult time for them.
May She Rest In Peace.
