Sinéad O'Connor, the Irish singer-songwriter, rose to global fame with her powerful vocals and evocative music. Her debut album, "The Lion and the Cobra" (1987), garnered international recognition, but it was her 1990 album, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," that catapulted her to phenomenal success. The album sold over seven million copies globally, largely propelled by the heart-wrenching single "Nothing Compares 2 U," which dominated the charts and earned her the Billboard Music Award for top world single.
Sinéad O'Connor's mother, Johanna Marie O'Grady, was born in 1939.
Sinéad O'Connor's parents, John Oliver "Seán" O'Connor and Johanna Marie O'Grady, were married in 1960.
Sinéad O'Connor was born in Dublin, Ireland in December 1966.
Bob Marley released the song "War" in 1976. This song, with its powerful message against oppression and injustice, would later become central to Sinéad O'Connor's iconic protest on Saturday Night Live.
John Oliver O'Connor, Sinéad O'Connor's father, remarried in 1976 to Viola Margaret Suiter.
At age 13, Sinéad O'Connor moved in with her father in 1979.
Sinéad O'Connor formed the band Ton Ton Macoute in 1984 after meeting Colm Farrelly through an ad in Hot Press.
Sinéad O'Connor's mother died in a car accident in February 1985.
Johanna Marie O'Connor, Sinéad O'Connor's mother, passed away in 1985.
Sinéad O'Connor did not sit for her Leaving Certificate exams in 1985.
In June 1987, Sinéad O'Connor gave birth to her first child, a son named Jake, with music producer John Reynolds.
Sinéad O'Connor released her debut album, "The Lion and the Cobra," which garnered international success in 1987.
Sinéad O'Connor made her first US television appearance on Late Night with David Letterman in 1988 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Sinéad O'Connor married music producer John Reynolds in March 1989 at Westminster Register Office.
Sinéad O'Connor contributed vocals to The The's album "Mind Bomb" and starred in and wrote music for the film "Hush-a-Bye Baby" in 1989.
In July 1990, Sinéad O'Connor participated in Roger Waters' performance of "The Wall" in Berlin and contributed to the Red Hot + Blue album. She also released "Am I Not Your Girl?", an album of jazz and torch song covers, which received mixed reviews.
Sinéad O'Connor's 1990 album, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," was honored with the inaugural Choice Music Prize Classic Irish Album award in 1990. Presented by the Irish broadcaster RTÉ, the award recognized the album's lasting impact on Irish music.
Sinéad O'Connor refuted claims made by Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers regarding a relationship in 1990, stating that they only hung out a few times.
In 1990, O'Connor refused to perform if the U.S. national anthem was played at her concerts, criticizing the American music industry as racist. This sparked backlash, with prominent figures like Frank Sinatra condemning her actions. In response, O'Connor attended a protest where her albums were being destroyed, disguised in a wig and sunglasses, and gave a television interview under a false identity.
O'Connor released her second album, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," in 1990, achieving significant commercial success.
O'Connor won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Performance in February 1991 but refused to attend the ceremony or accept the award. She criticized the Recording Academy for prioritizing commercial success over artistic value.
After a period of separation, Sinéad O'Connor and John Reynolds announced their plan to divorce in November 1991.
On October 3, 1992, Sinéad O'Connor made a powerful statement against child abuse in the Catholic Church during her performance on Saturday Night Live. After singing Bob Marley's "War" with altered lyrics addressing the issue, she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II, sparking widespread controversy and criticism.
Following her SNL protest in 1992, O'Connor faced intense backlash and criticism from various groups and individuals, including being booed at Bob Dylan's 30th-anniversary concert. Despite this, Time magazine recognized her as the most influential woman of 1992 for her bold stance.
In 1992, O'Connor collaborated with Peter Gabriel, contributing vocals to two songs on his album "Us".
Sinéad O'Connor released her third studio album, "Am I Not Your Girl?", in 1992.
Sinéad O'Connor sparked controversy in 1992 by tearing up a photograph of Pope John Paul II during a performance on Saturday Night Live in protest against abuse in the Catholic Church.
In May 1993, O'Connor was studying bel canto singing at the Parnell School of Music, considering it her only form of therapy. In an interview with The Guardian, she described her teacher as "the most amazing teacher in the universe", indicating the importance of these lessons for her well-being.
Sinéad O'Connor joined Peter Gabriel on his "Secret World Tour" in May 1993. While in Los Angeles, she experienced a health scare after taking too many sleeping pills, leading to media speculation about a possible suicide attempt, which she denied.
In June 1993, Sinéad O'Connor published a letter in The Irish Times discussing the abuse she experienced from her mother.
Sinéad O'Connor contributed the song "You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart" to the soundtrack of the film "In the Name of the Father", released in 1993.
O'Connor's album "Universal Mother" was released in 1994.
O'Connor participated in "A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who", a two-night tribute concert at Carnegie Hall organized by Roger Daltrey in 1994. The event, celebrating Daltrey's 50th birthday, was recorded and released on CD and VHS, later on DVD.
O'Connor released her album "Universal Mother" in 1994. The album featured the singles "Fire on Babylon" and "Famine", both of which had music videos nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.
On the British television program "After Dark" in January 1995, O'Connor participated in a discussion about the Catholic Church's role in societal issues, particularly child abuse. She argued that the church's refusal to acknowledge women and children's experiences contributed to a culture of silence and abuse.
Sinéad O'Connor announced her pregnancy with Irish columnist John Waters in September 1995.
In 1995, O'Connor joined the Lollapalooza tour but withdrew due to her pregnancy with her second child. This decision highlights the balancing act between career aspirations and personal life, particularly motherhood.
Brigidine Roisin Waters, O'Connor's daughter with John Waters, was born in March 1996.
O'Connor collaborated with Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, providing guest vocals for his solo album "Broken China" in 1996.
In 1997, O'Connor appeared in Neil Jordan's film "The Butcher Boy", portraying the Virgin Mary. This marked her final feature film role.
O'Connor released the EP "Gospel Oak" in 1997, continuing her musical exploration and creative output.
Sinead O'Connor originally released "This Is to Mother You" in 1997 as part of her Gospel Oak EP. The song, later re-recorded with Mary J. Blige, reflects O'Connor's exploration of themes related to motherhood and support.
Sinéad O'Connor collaborated with the Red Hot Organization again in 1998, co-producing and performing on the album "Red Hot + Rhapsody".
The DVD for "A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who", the 1994 tribute concert featuring Sinéad O'Connor, was released in 1998.
On December 8th, 1999, Sinead O'Connor's 33rd birthday, she made an attempt to take her own life, a deeply personal struggle she would later share publicly.
A lengthy custody battle between Sinéad O'Connor and John Waters over their daughter Roisin concluded in 1999, with O'Connor agreeing to let Roisin reside with Waters in Dublin.
Sinéad O'Connor was ordained as a priest in an Independent Catholic church in 1999 by Bishop Michael Cox, adopting the religious name Mother Bernadette Mary.
The album "Faith and Courage" by Sinéad O'Connor was released in 2000.
Sinéad O'Connor identified as a lesbian in a 2000 interview with Curve magazine.
O'Connor released the album "Faith and Courage" in 2000. The album featured collaborations with musicians Wyclef Jean and Dave Stewart and included the single "No Man's Woman".
Sinéad O'Connor married British journalist Nick Sommerlad in August 2001 in Wales.
Sinéad O'Connor and Nick Sommerlad decided to separate in July 2002 after 11 months of marriage.
In October 2002, Sinéad O'Connor credited her Christian faith for providing strength to cope with and overcome the effects of childhood abuse.
In 2002, O'Connor released "Sean-Nós Nua", an album showcasing her interpretations of traditional Irish folk songs, including some in the Irish language. This marked a departure from her previous work, reflecting her exploration of different musical styles.
By February 2003, the marriage between Sinéad O'Connor and Nick Sommerlad had reportedly ended, and Sommerlad had moved back to the United Kingdom.
In 2003, O'Connor contributed to the Dolly Parton tribute album "Just Because I'm a Woman" and collaborated with Massive Attack on their album "100th Window". She then released the double album "She Who Dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High Shall Abide Under the Shadow of the Almighty", featuring demos, unreleased tracks, and a live concert recording, before announcing her retirement from music.
Sinead O'Connor's career was put on hold from 2003 to 2005, as she battled the debilitating effects of fibromyalgia, a disorder known to cause chronic pain and fatigue.
Sinéad O'Connor welcomed her third child, son Shane, in March 2004. Shane's father is Irish musician Dónal Lunny.
In 2005, Sinead O'Connor returned to her music career following a two-year break, during which she focused on managing her fibromyalgia.
In 2005, following a short break from music and a struggle with fibromyalgia, Sinéad O'Connor announced her return. She clarified that her previous retirement was intended only for mainstream pop/rock music, and she would continue exploring other genres. Her reggae album, "Throw Down Your Arms," was released later that year.
Sinead O'Connor released the album "Throw Down Your Arms" in 2005.
Sinéad O'Connor later clarified her sexual orientation in 2005, stating to Entertainment Weekly that she identifies as "three-quarters heterosexual, a quarter gay."
The compilation album "Collaborations", featuring Sinéad O'Connor's collaborations with artists like Peter Gabriel, Massive Attack, and U2, was released in 2005.
Sinéad O'Connor gave a special performance at The Sugar Club in Dublin in November 2006, showcasing seven songs from her upcoming album "Theology." The intimate concert, attended by a select group of fans and music critics, provided an exclusive preview of the album's spiritual themes.
Sinéad O'Connor gave birth to her fourth child, a son named Yeshua, in December 2006. His father is Frank Bonadio.
In April 2007, Sinéad O'Connor released "I Don't Know How to Love Him" as the lead single from her album "Theology." The song, a cover of the classic by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, offered a glimpse into the album's spiritual and musical direction.
Sinéad O'Connor's album "Theology," featuring a blend of original and covered Rastafari spiritual songs, was released in June 2007. She embarked on a tour across Europe and North America to promote the album, further showcasing her exploration of spiritual and musical themes.
Sinéad O'Connor affirmed her Christian faith in a July 2007 interview with Christianity Today, expressing belief in core Christian doctrines.
During an appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in October 2007, Sinead O'Connor shared her experience of attempting suicide on her 33rd birthday, December 8th, 1999. She also revealed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Sinéad O'Connor and Frank Bonadio separated in early 2007 but remained on good terms.
Sinéad O'Connor purchased a large Victorian seafront house in Bray, County Wicklow, near Dublin, in 2007.
In 2008, Sinéad O'Connor released "Live at the Sugar Club," a CD/DVD package capturing her 2006 performance at the Dublin venue. The release, available exclusively through her website, offered fans a chance to relive the intimate concert where she debuted songs from her album "Theology."
In January 2010, Sinéad O'Connor collaborated with R&B singer Mary J. Blige on a new version of "This Is To Mother You." Produced by Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the song's proceeds were donated to GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services), showcasing their support for the organization.
Sinéad O'Connor used her platform to speak out against the Catholic sexual abuse scandal in Ireland in March 2010, appearing on CNN and writing an opinion piece for The Washington Post.
Sinéad O'Connor married her longtime friend and collaborator, Steve Cooney, in July 2010.
Sinéad O'Connor and Steve Cooney separated in March 2011.
Sinéad O'Connor experienced a significant breakdown between December 2011 and March 2012, leading to the cancellation of her planned tour and other musical endeavors scheduled for the remainder of 2012. This period marked a challenging time in her career and personal life.
Sinéad O'Connor married Irish therapist Barry Herridge in December 2011 in Las Vegas.
Sinéad O'Connor announced that she and Barry Herridge had reconciled in January 2012 after a brief separation.
Sinéad O'Connor experienced a significant breakdown between December 2011 and March 2012, leading to the cancellation of her planned tour and other musical endeavors scheduled for the remainder of 2012. This period marked a challenging time in her career and personal life.
Sinéad O'Connor's song "Lay Your Head Down," which was written by Brian Byrne and Glenn Close for the film "Albert Nobbs," earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Original Song in 2012. This nomination highlighted O'Connor's vocal talent and her contribution to the film's emotional impact.
In February 2013, Sinéad O'Connor released "4th and Vine" as the second single from her album, "How About I Be Me (and You Be You)?" The release followed her return to music after a period of personal challenges, marking a new chapter in her career.
Sinéad O'Connor lost custody of her son, Shane, in 2013.
Sinéad O'Connor penned an open letter to Miley Cyrus in 2013, expressing concern over the treatment of women in the music industry and the exploitation of sexuality.
Despite initial plans to renew their wedding vows, Sinéad O'Connor and Barry Herridge decided not to go through with it in February 2014.
In February 2014, during an episode of "Oprah: Where Are They Now?", O'Connor revealed that after seeking three additional medical opinions, none of them supported the initial diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Sinéad O'Connor began recording a new album of original songs in February 2014. Initially titled "The Vishnu Room," the album was set to feature a collection of romantic love songs, marking a departure from her previous work.
In June 2014, Sinéad O'Connor changed the title of her upcoming album from "The Vishnu Room" to "I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss." Inspired by the Ban Bossy campaign, the album, with its lead single "Take Me to Church," was scheduled for release on August 11th of the same year.
In November 2014, Simon Napier-Bell and Björn de Water took over the management of Sinéad O'Connor's career. That same month, she joined the charity supergroup Band Aid 30, contributing to a new version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The song aimed to raise funds for the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa.
Sinéad O'Connor revealed in 2014 that she and Prince, the writer of "Nothing Compares 2 U," did not have a good relationship, describing a confrontation at his home.
Sinéad O'Connor became a grandmother in July 2015 when her son Jake and his girlfriend welcomed a son.
In August 2015, Sinead O'Connor underwent a hysterectomy after battling prolonged gynecological issues. She later voiced concerns about her post-operative care, specifically the hospital's decision not to administer hormone replacement therapy, which she believed significantly impacted her mental health.
In a 2015 BBC interview, Sinéad O'Connor expressed a controversial view, stating that she wished Ireland had remained under British rule, citing the perceived negative influence of the Catholic Church after independence.
After struggling with cannabis addiction for three decades, Sinead O'Connor made the decision to address her dependency in 2016 by entering a rehabilitation center.
Following the 2016 Brexit referendum, Sinéad O'Connor proclaimed on Facebook that "Ireland is officially no longer owned by Britain."
In August 2017, Sinead O'Connor took to Facebook to share a deeply personal 12-minute video detailing her struggles with suicidal thoughts, highlighting the profound isolation she felt after losing custody of her son, Shane.
In 2017, Sinéad O'Connor changed her legal name to Magda Davitt. Citing her desire to break free from what she perceived as "patriarchal slave names" and "parental curses," the name change marked a significant personal decision.
In August 2018, Sinéad O'Connor's later Christian work was described as "theologically charged yet unorthodox" by Tatiana Kavelka, emphasizing interfaith dialogue and marginalized communities. During this time, O'Connor made a request to Pope Francis for a certificate of excommunication, a plea she had also made to Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II.
In October 2018, Sinead O'Connor publicly embraced Islam, referring to it as a natural progression for any theologian of intellect. Her conversion ceremony was officiated in Ireland by Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri, a respected Sunni Islamic scholar. Following her conversion, she adopted the name Shuhada' Davitt, expressing gratitude towards fellow Muslims for their support on social media platforms.
In November 2018, following her conversion to Islam, O'Connor sparked controversy with remarks about non-Muslims, using inflammatory language and expressing a desire to avoid contact with white people. She later attributed these statements to being triggered by Islamophobia directed towards her.
In 2018, Sinead O'Connor converted to Islam and adopted the name Shuhada' Sadaqat, though she continued performing under her birth name.
After a five-year hiatus from live performances, Sinéad O'Connor returned to the stage in September 2019. Appearing on RTÉ's "The Late Late Show," she delivered a moving rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U" alongside the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
In September 2019, Sinead O'Connor issued an apology for remarks made in November 2018, acknowledging that her words were hurtful and untrue. She attributed her previous statements to being triggered by Islamophobia.
In February 2020, Sinead O'Connor revealed she had been diagnosed with agoraphobia.
Sinéad O'Connor released a cover of Mahalia Jackson's "Trouble of the World" in October 2020. Proceeds from the single were directed towards Black Lives Matter charities, demonstrating her support for the movement.
Sinéad O'Connor announced in June 2021 that her forthcoming album, "No Veteran Dies Alone," would be her last and that she was retiring from music. Days later, she retracted the statement, attributing it to a reaction to a difficult interview. She confirmed that her 2022 tour would proceed as planned.
Sinéad O'Connor's memoir, "Rememberings," was published in June 2021 and received critical acclaim. The book, listed among the year's best by BBC Culture, offered an intimate and insightful look into her life and career.
In July 2021, the Irish postal service, An Post, released a commemorative postage stamp featuring an image of Sinéad O'Connor singing. The stamp honored her significant contributions to Irish music and culture.
In 2021, Sinead O'Connor spoke out about her experience receiving treatment at St. Patrick's University Hospital in Dublin. She expressed gratitude for the support she received, acknowledging the role it played in helping her persevere through challenging times.
Sinéad O'Connor sold her Victorian house in Bray in 2021.
Sinead O'Connor's memoir, "Rememberings," was published in 2021 and became a bestseller.
In her 2021 memoir, "Rememberings," O'Connor expressed no regret for her 1992 SNL protest. She reaffirmed her belief that speaking out against the Catholic Church was more important than her pop star status, highlighting her commitment to activism over commercial success.
Tragedy struck in January 2022 when Sinéad O'Connor's son, Shane, died by suicide at the age of 17. Devastated by the loss, O'Connor canceled her upcoming tour, and the release of her album, "No Veteran Dies Alone," was postponed indefinitely.
Sinéad O'Connor's 17-year-old son, Shane, was reported missing in January 2022 and tragically found dead by suicide two days later.
Sinéad O'Connor sold her house in Knockananna, County Wicklow in 2022.
Sinéad O'Connor shared her rendition of "The Skye Boat Song" in February 2023. The song, a 19th-century Scottish adaptation of a Gaelic tune from 1782, is recognized as the theme for the historical fantasy drama series "Outlander."
Sinéad O'Connor passed away in July 2023.
Sinéad O'Connor was found unresponsive in her London flat on July 26, 2023, and pronounced dead at the age of 56. While the Metropolitan Police initially treated her death as non-suspicious, a post-mortem examination was ordered.
In September 2023, the BBC television series "The Woman in the Wall," which centers around the Irish Magdalene Laundries, featured an unreleased Sinéad O'Connor song titled "The Magdalene Song." O'Connor had personally given the song to the series' producers shortly before her death.
In November 2023, the American indie rock band Boygenius and the Irish folk group Ye Vagabonds joined forces to release a cover of "The Parting Glass." The release served as a charity Christmas song and a heartfelt tribute to Sinéad O'Connor, honoring her musical legacy.
Following Sinéad O'Connor's death in 2023, producer David Holmes revealed that her album "No Veteran Dies Alone" had been completed except for one song. Described as deeply personal and emotional, the album stands as a testament to O'Connor's artistic vision.
Shane MacGowan, the frontman of the Irish folk-punk band The Pogues, passed away in 2023. His death, along with that of Sinéad O'Connor, prompted a joint tribute concert to be organized in their honor.
Sinéad O'Connor moved to a flat in London in the spring of 2023, seeking a less isolated environment while working on her new album.
A tribute concert honoring both Sinéad O'Connor and Shane MacGowan of The Pogues, who also passed away in 2023, was announced in January 2024. Scheduled for March 20th at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the event aimed to celebrate the lives and musical legacies of both artists.
After a five-month wait for the autopsy report, the London Inner Southwark Coroner's Court announced in January 2024 that Sinéad O'Connor's death was due to natural causes. The announcement provided clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Scottish singer and activist Annie Lennox paid a moving tribute to Sinéad O'Connor during the In Memoriam segment of the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. Performing "Nothing Compares 2 U" with a tear painted on her cheek, mirroring a scene from the song's music video, Lennox's performance honored O'Connor's artistry and activism. Her call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and for peace resonated with O'Connor's outspoken nature.
To commemorate Women's History Month in March 2024, a Bratz doll was designed in the image of Sinéad O'Connor. The doll celebrated her unique style and her status as a feminist icon, further solidifying her legacy as a cultural figure.