West News Wire: At the age of 56, Irish activist and singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor passed away.
“We announce the demise of our beloved Sinead with deep sorrow. Her family and friends are heartbroken and have asked for privacy at this extremely trying time, according to a statement given to news channels by O’Connor’s family.
Leo Varadkar, the prime minister of Ireland, expressed his sorrow over O’Connor’s departure, saying, “Really sorry to learn of the passing of Sinead O’Connor. Her skill was unparalleled and unsurpassed, and her music was adored all around the world. We send our condolences to her family, friends, and all of her music fans.
Born December 8, 1966, in Dublin, O’Connor began her music career in the 1980s. In 1990, she released her sophomore album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” featuring her cover of the Prince-written song “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Propelled in part by a haunting video that played in heavy MTV rotation, O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” became a worldwide hit and was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammys. “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance, though O’Connor refused to accept the award.
During her appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in 1992, O’Connor sparked even more controversy when she infamously tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II while yelling, “Fight the real enemy.” Her widespread appeal in the United States was effectively halted by the backlash.
However, O’Connor persisted in putting out new music, releasing a total of 10 studio albums, the most recent of which being 2014’s “I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss.” O’Connor said that she was working on a new record that would be released in 2024 in a post on Facebook in July. Earlier in 2023, she also made available a cover of the “Outlander” TV show’s theme song.
O’Connor has long been up about her experiences with mental illness, which she also detailed in her memoir “Rememberings,” which was published in 2021. In 2022, the “Nothing Compares” documentary on her was released.
In 2017, O’Connor adopted the name Magda Davitt, and in 2018, Shuhada’ Sadaqat. She had four marriages, giving birth to four kids. She lost her son Shane in 2022.
