Sinead O’Connor Biography

Sinéad Marie Bernadette O’Connor is an Irish singer and songwriter, who gained major success in the 90s. She is known as a fighter for women’s rights and against organised religion, war and child abuse. During her lengthy music career, she released 10 albums. She won a Grammy Award and three MTV Music Award.

Early Life & Musical Breakthrough

O’Connor lived a conservative and abusive childhood, in Dublin. After her parent’s divorce, she became a trainwreck. She got expelled, arrested and sent to boarding schools. At the age of 15, the young singer began performing in coffee shops. Furthermore, she took vocal and piano lessons. In the early 80s, she began collaborating with U2’s guitarist, while also working on her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra. The album received 2 gold certifications and created a lot of exposure for O’Connor.

Fame & Controversy

Despite the collaboration, O’Connor shocked the media by mocking U2. In 1990, her single Prince-written Nothing Compares 2 U became an international hit. The parent album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, was a huge success. It became one of the best-selling records of the year. Additionally, it topped numerous album charts, including the Billboard 200.

However, in 1991 O’Connor again spawned controversy, declaring Prince had physically threatened her. Furthermore, she accused the Saturday Night Live host of misogyny. After receiving 4 Grammy nominations she retreated from the competition. During the rest of the 90s, O’Connor released 3 gold-certified albums, but the audience’s focus remained on her social life rather than her artistic talent. After releasing Faith and Courage in 2000, the singer declared she was a lesbian. Moreover, she joined the Roman Catholic splinter group Latin Tridentine Church, though she was initially praising Buddhism and Rastafarian religions.

In 2014, Sinead released her latest album, I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss, receiving positive reviews.

Photo source: Discogs