Sinéad O'Connor

Sinéad O'Connor is widely regarded as one of the most influential female performers of the 90s, not only for her sensational performances and raw vocal emotion but also for her outspoken confidence to express herself publicly. Sinéad was born in Dublin in 1966, and was discovered by Paul Byrne, drummer of U2 protégés In Tua Nua, while singing wedding covers in the city. After co-writing the first In Tua Nua single, she left school to focus on music, studying voice and piano at the Dublin College of Music. She relocated to London in 1985. Her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra produced two alternative hits ‘Troy’ and Mandinka and would go on to be one of 1987’s most critically acclaimed LPs. Follow up, 1990’s I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got confirmed her as a major artist with the Prince-written Nothing Compares 2 U reaching number 1 in the UK, the US and globally. A series of public gestures have tended to interrupt the critical focus on O’Connor’s artistry including her infamous performance on SNL where she ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II. However, Sinéad’s ability to move through Pop, Rock, Folk, Reggae and incorporate multiple influences into her complex and powerful sound is in evidence all throughout her career. Sinéad O'Connor passed away at the age of 56 in 2023.