Sinead O’Connor has died at 56
(United Latest News)- Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, known for her voice strong political beliefs and personal struggles, in years has sadly passed away at the age of 56. Her rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” became a hit in the 1990s. The announcement of her death was made by her family without disclosing the cause or exact date. The familys statement expressed sadness. Requested privacy during this challenging time.
During the 1980s alternative radio showcased a wave of singers who defied conventional expectations regarding appearance and sound. Among them Sinéad O’Connor stood out amidst artists like Tracy Chapman, Laurie Anderson and the Indigo Girls.
Her debut album cover from 1987 was particularly remarkable – not because of her face but also due to her bald head resembling an eaglet and her protective stance with crossed wrists, over her heart.
The albums name, The Lion and the Cobra was inspired by a verse, from Psalm 91 that reflects on the strength and resilience of believers and their faith. Sinéad O’Connor herself exhibited resilience throughout her life.
In an interview with NPR in 2014 O’Connor shared her challenging upbringing. She grew up in an environment where her mother was the abuser. O’Connor emphasized that child abuse often silences its victims making it incredibly healing to find one’s voice through self-expression.
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O’Connor first found solace in music while residing in a facility for youth. Prior to this, she faced difficulties, including being expelled from schools and getting caught shoplifting multiple times. However, her path took a turn when she received a guitar from a nun and began singing on the streets of Dublin. Eventually she joined In Tua Nua, an band.
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U2s guitarist The Edge recognized O’Connor’s talent. Helped her secure a record deal with Ensign/Chrysalis label. Her second studio album titled I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got achieved success in 1990 by earning platinum status largely due to the inclusion of Prince’s hit love song “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got encapsulated O’Connor’s deep connection to music as well as her passionate response, towards social injustices.
She strongly dismissed its four Grammy nominations on the grounds of commercialism stating that they were “contributing to the destruction of humanity.” Furthermore, she faced a ban, from a New Jersey arena when she refused to perform “The Star Spangled Banner” due to its lyrics that glorify explosions.
According to rock critic Bill Wyman, O’Connor was part of a tradition known for challenging the established order. He notes that she consistently sided with victims the vulnerable and the weak.
In 1992 during the peak of her fame, Sinéad O’Connor made an appearance on Saturday Night Live. During her performance, she used her voice to speak out against racism and child abuse. The audience was met with silence as she concluded her rendition of Bob Marley’s “War,” tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II.
The subsequent media response was dominated by an outcry of anger and indignation. Unfortunately, this overshadowed her protest against abuse within the Catholic Church—a protest that has proven accurate in hindsight. Reflecting on those events during an interview with NPR, in 2010 O’Connor revealed that she had anticipated reactions along.
“To be honest,” she remarked at the time “I expected it all. I knew how people would react. I knew there would be consequences.”
I was fully prepared to accept that. What mattered more to me was recognizing what I’ll refer to as the Holy Spirit.”
Referred to as the Joan of Arc of rock music she became increasingly inconsistent in her beliefs. O’Connor identified as a feminist at one point. Then changed her stance. She initially supported the Irish Republican Army. Later withdrew her support. She obtained ordination as a priest through a group and even converted to Islam. Her personal life also went through fluctuations from celibacy to openly discussing her preferences. Alongside these transformations, she changed her name multiple times adopting “Shuhada’ Sadaqat” after converting while still releasing music under her birth name. In terms of style, she ventured into genres such, as New Age, opera, and reggae.
Although O’Connor didn’t produce any hits afterward tabloids continued covering aspects of her life; four marriages, four divorces, and raising four children; along with her public disagreements with celebrities ranging from Frank Sinatra to Miley Cyrus over the years.
“In my opinion ” says Bill Wyman “people began questioning her credibility. Found enjoyment in her later records. They were poorly. Had a nature that made them less appealing.”
During years O’Connor turned to Facebook and Twitter as platforms for sharing about her battle, with mental illness.
She mentioned suicide—an act she tried more, than once. If you grew up in the 1980s you surely remember hearing Sinéad O’Connors song “Never Gets Old” times from her debut album. It’s a shame that she couldn’t age gracefully as her powerful songs.
Following her passing Ireland’s Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar took to the media to express his condolences; “I’m deeply saddened by the news of Sinéad O’Connors death. Her music had a following. Her talent was truly unmatched. My thoughts go out to her family, friends, and all those who cherished her music. May she rest in peace”
