The greatest female rock stars of all time
Irish musician Sinéad O'Connor has passed away at the age of 56
CELEBRITY Music
Sinéad O'Connor, known for her powerful ballads like 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' has passed away at the premature age of 56. Her family shared the sad news in a statement on July 26, 2023: “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.” No details about her cause of death have been shared yet. O'Connor rose to fame in the 1980s and quickly gained respect as a singer and songwriter. Her unique, powerful voice allowed her to travel seamlessly between grunge and heartbreaking ballads. Her music was filled with emotion and she was never afraid to speak her mind. O'Connor used her growing platform to speak out on political and social issues she was passionate about, famously tearing up a photo of the Pope on 'Saturday Night Live' in 1992 to protest the abuses of the Catholic Church. She sparked public outrage on more than one occasion and her uncompromising sense of justice undoubtedly impacted her career.
O'Connor also experienced struggles in her personal life, revealing in 2007 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder four years prior. By this time she had made multiple attempts on her own life and would go on to make more. One of her four children, Shane, tragically took his own life in January 2022. O'Connor was open about the profound impact his death had on her, sharing her devastation in worrying social media posts that led to her hospitalization. In 2023, just weeks before her death, she announced that she was finishing up a new album and intended to go on tour in 2024.
The following women shaped the history of rock 'n' roll, recording some of the greatest hits in the genre. Their music has had a lasting impact on many generations. Click through the gallery to get to know the best female rock stars of all time.