Quite the controversial figure, Steven Patrick Morrissey, (born May 22, 1959), professionally known as Morrissey, is an English singer, songwriter and author. He rose to prominence in the 80s as the co-founder and lead singer of the indie rock band the Smiths.
In 1982, the struggling writer and musician teamed up with guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce to form the Smiths. Over the group’s four-year run, they released four studio albums, all of which charted at either No. 1 or No. 2 in the United Kingdom.
With his eccentric style and acid-tongued lyrics, he became an icon for disaffected youth. After the band’s breakup in 1987, Morrissey embarked on a successful solo career, while also continuing to make waves with his many controversial comments.
For Morrissey, pop music provided a needed escape from his “dreary” childhood in Manchester. “Pop music was all I ever had, and it was completely entwined with the image of the pop star,” he told The New York Times in 1991. “I remember feeling that the person singing was actually with me and understood me and my predicament. A lot of times I felt I was engaged with an absolute tangible love affair.”
In 1988, Morrissey kicked off his solo career with the well-received album Viva Hate, which climbed to No. 48 on the U.S. charts. His solo follow-up, Kill Uncle (1991), was viewed as a disappointment. However, he hit his stride again with Vauxhall and I (1994). In the years since, Morrissey has continued to put out albums, change labels and connect with his fans on tour.
His latest album, Low In High School, is set for release November 17th. We have an advance copy of the tune, “Spent The Day In Bed,” and play it on K-ZAP 93.3 FM and streaming at K-ZAP.ORG/LISTEN/
Discography
Viva Hate (1988)
Kill Uncle (1991)
Your Arsenal (1992)
Vauxhall and I (1994)
Southpaw Grammar (1995)
Maladjusted (1997)
You Are the Quarry (2004)
Ringleader of the Tormentors (2006)
Years of Refusal (2009)
World Peace Is None of Your Business (2014)
Low in High School (2017)
Sacramento’s K-ZAP 93.3 FM plays Morrissey. All part of 50 years of Rock, Blues and More, 24-7 on our station’s stream at K-ZAP.ORG/LISTEN/
Check out Morrissey: