Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has died at 56

The Dublin performer found worldwide fame with hit single Nothing Compares 2 U in 1990
Paul Trainer
By Paul Trainer
Published 26th Jul 2023, 19:09 BST
Sinead O’Connor’s life before and after her controversial appearance on Saturday Night Live will be documented in a new film, Nothing Compares.Sinead O’Connor’s life before and after her controversial appearance on Saturday Night Live will be documented in a new film, Nothing Compares.
Sinead O’Connor’s life before and after her controversial appearance on Saturday Night Live will be documented in a new film, Nothing Compares.

Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56. The acclaimed Dublin performer was considered one of the finest singers of her generation. She released 10 studio albums, while her song Nothing Compares 2 U was named the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards.

She released her first album in 1987, The Lion and the Cobra which reached number 27 in the UK charts. Her follow up record, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got was nominated for four Grammy Awards and featured her most famous track, which was originally recorded by Prince.

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As well as her music, O’Connor wrote a memoir in 2021, Rememberings.

Nothing Compares, a new documentary focusing on the rise to fame of the Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor, will be screened at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.Nothing Compares, a new documentary focusing on the rise to fame of the Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor, will be screened at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Nothing Compares, a new documentary focusing on the rise to fame of the Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor, will be screened at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.

In a statement, the singer’s family said: “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.”

The cause of her death has not yet been confirmed.

O’Connor, who was outspoken about her decades-long struggle with mental illness, wrote on her Facebook page earlier this month that she had moved back to London after 23 years and was finishing an album to be released next year.

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Ms O’Connor converted to Islam in 2018 and changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat, though continued to perform under the name Sinead O’Connor.

Her son Shane died in January 2022 at the age of 17. She is survived by her three children and grandson.

Related topics:Music

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