Sinéad O'Connor remembering the singer-songwriter and her long-spanning musical career

Sinead O'Connor
Sinead O'Connor | Martyn Goodacre/GettyImages

Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor who died on July 26, 2023, has been fondly remembered across all forms of social media. Many celebrities mourn the loss of their friend and peer, while fans remember her accomplishments and songs that meant so much to them.

Born Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor in Dublin, Ireland, in 1966, O'Connor was the third of five children. She would begin her musical career as a singer for the band Ton Ton Macoute in 1984, which gained her recognition as a talented singer. This would lead to signing with Ensign Records.

She has named Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Bob Marley, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Pretenders as influences for her first album, The Lion and the Cobra (Chrysalis Records). This album earned her gold record status and a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

During her musical career, Sinéad O'Connor released ten studio albums, four certified gold. Her second, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, released in 1990, would be her most successful, selling over seven million copies worldwide. This album featured the single that Prince wrote, "Nothing Compares 2 U," Billboard's No. 1 world single for 1990.

In her bestselling 1990 memoir, Rememberings, O'Connor shares insight into the relationship between her and Prince. Her book would also reveal details of growing up in Dublin in an abusive household and how she used music as an escape.

Shortly before her death, O'Connor shared a Facebook post revealing her return to London after 23 years. She stated she was "very happy to be home" and working on her 11th studio album. This would have been accompanied by a world tour in 2024, where she would perform in Australia and New Zealand and 2025 in Europe and the United States.

O'Connor's family released a statement regarding her death, requesting privacy as they mourn their loss. The cause of death hasn't been disclosed, and The London Metropolitan Police have stated her death isn't being treated as suspicious.

"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."
Family of Sinéad O'Connor

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