President Higgins leads tributes to Sinéad O’Connor saying the country has lost an ‘extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice’
Irish singer Sinead O'Connor has died at the age of 56, her family has announced.
The singer's family said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have asked for privacy during this extremely difficult time."
The acclaimed Dublin artist has released ten studio albums and her song "Nothing Compares 2 U" became the world's No. 1 single at her 1990 by Billboard Music Awards. Her version of the ballad written by musician Prince reached #1 worldwide and was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
The accompanying music video, directed by British filmmaker John Mayberry, which consists larg her recording of the song.ely of close-ups of O'Connor's face singing the lyrics, has become as famous as her recording of the song.
The song's success led to O'Connor being named Rolling Stone's Artist of the Year in 1991.
O'Connor won Best Irish Classical Album at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards earlier this year.
Dedicating the award for her album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got to "every member of the Irish refugee community", she received a standing ovation.
"You are very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and wish you the best of luck," she said.
President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to O`Connor, saying his “first reaction on hearing the news of Sinéad`s loss was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice.”
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| Connor was always looks to be best known for simply being herself. |
“To those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, one couldn`t but always be struck by the depth of her fearless commitment to the important issues which she brought to public attention, no matter how uncomfortable those truths may have been,” he said.
“What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her ... May her spirit find the peace she sought in so many different ways.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his sorrow at the death of the singer in a post on social media. “Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare. Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music,” said Mr Varadkar.
Tanaiste Michael Martin said he was "devastated" by the news of her death. "One of our greatest musical icons and a dearly loved figure in Ireland and abroad. We send our best wishes to her children, family, friends and all who knew and loved her. I express my condolences," he said.
Culture and Arts Minister Catherine Martin said she was "very sad" to hear of the "extremely talented" O'Connor's passing.
She said, "Her unique voice and her innate musical talent were incredibly special...My thoughts to her family and all who are heartbroken to hear this news."
Sinn Fein vice-chairman Michelle O'Neil said Ireland had lost "one of the most powerful and successful singers, songwriters and artists".
"It's a huge loss not only for her family and friends, but for all of her many supporters around the world.
"Throughout her long career in the music industry and in public, O'Connor has sparked controversy and divided her opinion.
In 1992, she tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II on the US TV show Saturday Night Live to protest child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
"I don't apologize for what I did. It was great," she later said of the protest. "But it was very traumatic," she added. "It was an open door to treat me like a crazy bitch."
The year before this high-profile protest, she boycotted the Grammy Awards, the music industry's answer to the Oscars, saying she "didn't want to enter a world where artistic ability was measured by material success."
She refused to play the US national anthem before the concert, causing further public scorn.
In recent years, O'Connor has become well known as a spiritualist and activist, and she has spoken publicly about her mental health issues.
In 2007, O'Connor told US talk show Oprah Winfrey that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder four years ago and had suffered from suicidal thoughts and extreme anxiety before her diagnosis.
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| Sinead O’Connor Stage performance in 2012 |
At the time, she was able to regain her balance thanks to her medication, but she said, "It's a work in progress." O'Connor has also voiced her support for other under-spot young female artists such as Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus.
O'Connor, who has been married four times, was ordained a priest in 1999 at the Latin Tridentine Church, an independent Catholic church not affiliated with Rome.
The singer converted to Islam in 2018 and changed her name to Shuhada Sadakat, but she continued her activism under the name Sinead O'Connor. In 2021, O'Connor will release her memoir, Rememberings, and last year a film about her life was made by director Kathryn Ferguson.
On July 12th, O'Connor announced on her own official Facebook page that she was back in London to finish her album, which she plans to release early next year. She said she plans to tour Australia and New Zealand in late 2024, followed by Europe, the US and other locations in early 2025.
The circumstances of her death remain unknown.
O'Connor leaves behind three children. Their son Shane died last year at the age of 17.
Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy said he was "devastated" by the news of O'Connor's death.
"We spoke to her a few days ago and she was as sweet, strong, passionate, determined and polite as ever," he said in a post on Instagram.
Addressing O'Connor directly, he said, "Rest in peace, Sinead, you were ahead of your time and deserve any peace."
Broadcaster Dave Fanning said O'Connor's music and her "fearlessness" will be remembered, adding: "In terms of how she was always on set and believed in everything she did. , It's not always right, and I don't regret it at all" .
Canadian rock star Bryan Adams says she loves working with Irish singers. He tweeted, "I had a blast working with you, taking pictures, playing and chatting with you in Ireland. Love to your family."
REM singer Michael Stipe posted a picture of himself with O'Connor on his Instagram and said, "I'm speechless."
Hollywood star Russell Crowe tweeted a story about a chance encounter with O'Connor, who he described as "one of my heroes" outside a pub in Dalkey, South Dublin, while working in Ireland last year.
"What a wonderful woman. Peace be upon your brave hearts Sinead," he tweeted.
Billy Corgan, lead singer of the American rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, said O'Connor was "very honest, kind and funny."
"She had talent in her, but I'm not sure he fully understood," he said.
Stone Roses' Ian Brown wrote: "RIP Sinead O'Connor, beautiful soul.
Working with Hyalyn Sinead and singing my songs in their Dublin studio was magical and a highlight of my musical life. ”
Charlatans musician Tim Burgess said, "Sinead was a true embodiment of the punk spirit. She didn't compromise, which made her life more difficult. I hope she finds peace." hoping."
American rapper and actress Ice-T praised O'Connor for saying he "represented something". In a post on her Twitter, he wrote, "Her respect to Sinead... she was defending something...". Unlike most people… Rest. ”
The Irish Music Copyright Organization (IMRO) said: "As we reflect on the profound impact she had on the world, our thoughts go out to her family, friends and all who were touched by her music."
Irish band Aslan paid tribute to O'Connor. Both are from Dublin. O'Connor collaborated with the band on "Up in Arms" in 2001.
Singer Christy Dignam from Aslan passed away in June. The band's Facebook page read, "Two legends who get along very well...no words...rest in peace Sinead."
British singer Alison Moyet said O'Connor's voice was "violent and stone-crushing". In a post on her Twitter, she wrote, "Heartbroken at the loss of Sinead O'Connor. I often wanted to reach out to her but I couldn't. I remember when they started Amazing presence. A voice violently breaking stones little by little.
"She's as beautiful as any other girl, but she never traded this card. I loved that about her. She's an iconoclast."
American film and television composer Bear McCreary reflected on writing new songs with the "wise and visionary" Sinead O'Connor in a social media post. "Disappointed," McCreary tweeted.
“She was the warrior poet I expected, wise, visionary and hilarious at the same time. You and I laughed a lot. We wrote a new song together that was never finished. We've all lost an icon, lost a friend #rest in peace. "
- How old was Sinéad O Connor when she died?
56 Years (1966-2023)
Sinead O Connor's biggest hits:
Mandinka. In 1989, O'Connor performed her electrifying,
rock-oriented second single, Mandinka, at the Grammy awards. ...
I Want Your (Hands On Me) ...
Nothing Compares 2 U. ...
The Emperor's New Clothes. ...
I Am Stretched On Your Grave. ...
Last Day of Our Acquaintance. ...
Black Boys on Mopeds. ...
You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart.
Sinead O Connor's Faimily :- Kids
Sinead was born on December 8, 1966 to her parents John O'Connor
and Mary O'Connor.
Born in Glenagary, he is one of his five siblings, his three brothers named Eoin,
John, and Joseph, and his one younger sister named Aimia.
The singer has been married four times and has four children: Jake (35),
Roisin (26), Shane (deceased) and Yeshua (15).