Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56. Worldwide messages of support and heavy-hearted condolences are pouring in for the vocalist who famously charmed, and occasionally shocked the world. Recognisable by her shaved head, O’Connor began her career singing on the streets of Dublin before rising to international fame.
Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor, who achieved a worldwide following in her mid-20s, has died at the age of 56.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,”
the singer’s family says in a statement on Wednesday.
Sinéad O’Connor : Early Life
O’Connor’s musical talent was evident from a young age. She was born on December 8, 1966, in Glenageary, County Dublin, Ireland. She first began singing in local bands during her teenage years. In 1984, at the age of 17, she caught the attention of the Irish music industry with her powerful rendition of “Bean Pháidín” on the talent show Opportunity Knocks. This led to her solo recording contract with Ensign Records.
In 1987, O’Connor put out her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, garnering critical acclaim for its raw honesty and emotional depth. The album’s lead single, “Mandinka,” became a hit, and O’Connor’s unique style and passionate performances made her an instant icon.
It was with her second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, that O’Connor achieved global success. Released in 1990, the album featured her iconic cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which topped charts in multiple countries, earning her worldwide recognition. The music video has been subsequently viewed almost 400 million times on YouTube.
Political Messaging
Throughout her career, O’Connor was never shy to express her political and personal beliefs. An outspoken advocate for social justice, she often used her platform to address issues such as child abuse, women’s rights, and the troubles in Northern Ireland. Her music often reflects these themes, with lyrics that are deeply personal and introspective.
O’Connor’s success continued with subsequent albums, including Am I Not Your Girl? (1992), Universal Mother (1994), and Faith and Courage (2000). She worked with a variety of artists such as Peter Gabriel, The Chieftains, and Massive Attack, showcasing her versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres. Sinead O’Connor’s discography includes a total of ten studio albums, with her most recent release being No Veteran Dies Alone in 2021.
A Controversial Career
In addition to her musical career, O’Connor’s personal life was always the subject of controversy. She was extremely open about her struggles with mental health issues, and her outspoken nature often drew criticism from the public.
Renowned for her candid opinions regarding religion, sexuality, feminism, and warfare, her notoriety extends far beyond her musical contributions. One of the most famous examples of this has to be her stunt on a Saturday Night Live segment in October, 1992. She tore up of a photograph of Pope John Paul II. But no surprises there, she was a well-known critic of the Catholic Church – and this is well before allegations sexual abuse were widely reported; denouncing it as “the real enemy”.
In 2018, O’Connor underwent a religious conversion to Islam. She later took on the name Shuhada Sadaqat. However, she continued to perform under stage name Sinéad O’Connor.
Following the tragic death of her teenage son Shane in 2022, O’Connor wrote on twitter that there was “no point living without him” and was hospitalised soon after.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf calls her “a unique musical talent who undoubtedly inspired many people to speak about their own mental health by being so open about her own struggles”.
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor says: “The world has lost an artist with the voice of an angel.”
“Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend. Sinéad’s music will live on and continue to inspire!”
“Rest In Peace, Sinéad you are home with your son I am sure,” he says.
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