Irish singer Sinead O’Connor dead at 56
- The gifted Irish singer-songwriter topped charts around the world with the 1990 hit Nothing Compares 2 U
- She was known as much for her private struggles and provocative actions as for her fierce and expressive music
Sinead O’Connor, the Irish singer known for her stirring voice, 1990 chart-topping hit “Nothing Compares 2 U” and outspoken views, has died at the age of 56, Irish media quoted her family as saying on Wednesday.
Brash and direct – her shaved head, pained expression, and shapeless wardrobe a direct challenge to popular culture’s long-prevailing notions of femininity and sexuality – O’Connor irrevocably changed the image of women in music.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” RTE quoted a statement from the singer’s family as saying.
The circumstances of her death were unclear.
O’Connor crashed onto the global music scene with her mesmerising version of “Nothing Compares 2 U”, originally written by Prince and accompanied by a music video in which she faced directly into the camera and cried.