O’Connor’s family released a statement on Wednesday, confirming his death. The statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this difficult time.”
Sinead O’Connor was born on December 8, 1966 in Dublin. While her music career was complex and controversial, she spoke openly about politics, spirituality, and her mental health struggles. He famously tore up a portrait of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live in 1992 and was criticized outside Madison Square Garden in New York City during a Bob Dylan tribute concert a few weeks later.
He also objected to the national anthem being played at his concerts, which led to some radio stations banning his music. This also led to O’Connor feuding with Frank Sinatra, who was unhappy with his decision.
O’Connor released her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra” in 1987, and it was followed by “I Don’t Want What I Haven’t Got” in 1990, which included “Nothing Compares 2 U”. The song was an international success for O’Connor, but it was first recorded by Prince for 1985’s “The Family”, his album with his band. The song stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks, and won O’Connor four Grammy Awards for the song and the album.
helped earn the nomination, but she was eliminated from the competition.
The song’s music video, featuring O’Connor and his signature shaved head, was also successful. Miley Cyrus’ 2013 hit song “Wrecking Ball” was inspired by O’Connor’s video, but also featured Cyrus naked and licking a sledgehammer. O’Connor wrote an open letter warning the singer to avoid sexual exploitation by the music industry.
O’Connor released 10 albums in his career, the last of which was “I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss”, released in 2014. In 2021 he also released his memoir, “Remembrances”.
The singer said that she suffered from depression as a result of growing up in an abusive home. He said that being famous didn’t help. In 2007 on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” she said, “I was always very anxious and didn’t necessarily feel happy or fun or anything.”