Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, who became world famous with “Nothing Compares 2 U”, has died unexpectedly at the age of 56. The sad love song that made her famous 33 years ago was written by US musician Prince.
The ballad was also a number one hit in Germany and was at the top of the charts for several weeks in 1990. O’Connor died about 18 months after their then 17-year-old son Shane. She leaves behind three children.
The recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U” earned O’Connor three Grammy nominations at the time. Over the course of her career, she recorded ten solo albums, wrote songs for films and collaborated with other artists, but was also known for outbursts.
Her music “was loved all over the world”
Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Leo Varadkar paid tribute to O’Connor, saying her music “was loved all over the world and her talent was unmatched and incomparable”. Irish President Michael D. Higgins praised O’Connor’s “authenticity” as well as her “unique voice”. “What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of the last few decades”.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Sinead,” the Irish Times, RTÉ and the BBC had previously quoted from a family statement. Family and friends therefore asked to maintain their privacy during this difficult time.
“This is such a tragedy. What a loss. She has been followed her whole life. What a talent,” tweeted American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge.
British pop singer Alison Moyet was also concerned on Twitter: “I often wanted to contact her, but I didn’t. I remember her start. Amazing presence. A voice that cracks stones with violence and little by little let.”
Canadian rock musician and photographer Bryan Adams tweeted: “RIP Sinéad O’Connor, I’ve loved collaborating with you, taking photos, performing together in Ireland – and chatting…”
Setbacks and controversial appearances
O’Connor was born on December 8, 1966. Her mother died in a car accident in 1985. She accused her of abusing her as a child. O’Connor repeatedly attracted attention with controversial appearances and statements. In about 1992, she tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II on the US show “Saturday Night Live” in front of the camera – as a protest against the child abuse scandals of the Catholic Church.
She later said, according to the Irish Times, “I’m not sorry I did it. It was great. But it was very traumatic. It opened the door to treating me like a crazy bitch.”
In 2018 she converted to Islam and also wore a headscarf. In the 90s, she had been ordained a priestess by a Catholic splinter group.
There were repeated reports of contractual disputes in the industry, and she announced several times that she wanted to end her career.
O’Connor often spoke about mental health issues. In a 2017 video, she said, “Mental illness is a bit like drugs – it doesn’t care about who you are.”
