With her signature shaved head, Sinead O’Connor emerged in the 1990s with a powerful voice and a big hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” along with a fair share of controversy.

Who Is Sinead O’Connor?

Singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor started her music career when she was discovered by a local drummer in Ireland. However, with fame came controversy. Among other incidents, O’Connor tore up a picture of the pope during an appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1992 and has more recently been known for using social media to express her personal struggles. 

Early Life

Born December 8, 1966, in Dublin, Ireland, O’Connor had a difficult childhood. Her parents divorced early on and her mother was frequently abusive, and she was sent to reform school after being caught shoplifting. Her music career began when she was “discovered” by the drummer of the popular Irish band In Tua Nua and co-wrote their hit song “Take My Hand.” Before finishing school, O’Connor ran away to Dublin, where she sang and played guitar on the street and in pubs and worked for a singing telegram service.

Career Breakthrough

While performing with a Dublin band called Ton Ton Macoute, O’Connor caught the attention of the two owner-managers of a small London record label called Ensign Records. Ensign released her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, late in 1987. Critics lauded O’Connor’s powerful and expressive voice and noted the complexity of her songs, even while acknowledging their decidedly uncommercial nature. Though it had no major hit singles, the album eventually sold over 500,000 copies and went platinum.