Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Sinead O'Connor known for 1990's hit song 'Nothing Compares to U' dies

The Summer of 1990 was big for music in a changing pop culture. Prince had written a song called, "Nothing Compares to U." Sinead O'Connor recorded it for her 2nd album and hit number #1 on the Billboard pop chart for 4 weeks. It was a smash record around the world.

I remember when she sang on "Saturday Night Live" and ripped up a picture of the current Pope. She fled New York right after that performance and jumped on a plane leaving the United States. SNL banned her from the show permanently.

Sinead was already courting controversy when she had criticized rapper MC Hammer. He bought her a one-way plane ticket back to Dublin, Ireland. She refused to perform in the U.S. if the "star spangled banner" was played. Actor, Joe Pesci reportedly wanted to "slap" her. Music fans also began to "boo" at her concerts.

She was nominated with 4 Grammy Awards (1991) and refused to accept any if she had won. But - she accepted 7 MTV music awards and was seen as a hypocrite. "Nothing" was her only hit song in the U.S. and she never charted again afterwards. She released several albums though. 

It is now being revealed that Sinead was bi-polar and had a troubled childhood. Music certainly gave her a path toward something good in her life. Her fans can attest to that. "Nothing Compares to U" is a hauntingly beautiful song and she brought something special to it. RIP....

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