British icon Steven Patrick Morrissey, known mononymously as Morrissey, was born May 22, 1959 to Irish Catholics Elizabeth and Peter in Old Trafford, Lancashire. Morrissey would go on to be the co-founder and frontman of the band The Smiths, and have a prolific solo career following their split in 1987. In 2026, Morrissey turned 67.
Morrissey met Johnny Marr in 1978 at a Patti Smith concert. Four years later, Marr showed up on Morrissey's door asking him if he wanted to start a band. The pair got along extremely well and ended up finding a bassist in Dale Hibbert. Morrissey chose the name "The Smiths" for them saying, "It was the most ordinary name and I thought it was time that the ordinary folk of the world showed their faces."
After several performances that garnered them a following and singles, The Smiths signed to Sire Records in late 1983. Their self-titled debut album reached number two on the UK charts. The album and other singles were met with controversy due to the suggestive nature of the lyrics and how some touched even on homicides that occurred around Manchester.
The Smiths became known for being polarizing, political, and unafraid of being subversive. Morrissey was even known for putting complaints about feeling the band deserved more recognition into their lyrics. In 1987 there was significant tension within the band, and specifically with Marr and Morrissey who were not getting along. The band attempted to record and replace Marr, but none of the tracks were ever released.
Morrissey released his first solo album, Viva Hate, in September of 1987. The album reached number one on the UK charts despite the political themes and lyrics on the album (some of which even describing the assassination of Margaret Thatcher) getting Morrissey labeled a terrorist by members of Parliament. As part of his solo career, Morrissey has released 14 total albums and won 18 NME awards and been nominated for a Grammy.
Biographers and journalists have noted how devoted fans of Morrissey really are—people who love him, really, really love him. Of his fandom, The Independent said, "Most pop stars have to be dead before they reach the iconic status he has reached in his lifetime," and NME labeled him "one of the most influential artists ever."
In 2006, a BBC poll ranked Morrissey as the second most influential British celebrity of all time, only behind David Attenborough. Many prominent artists like Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke, and Brandon Flowers have all cited him as a major influence on their work. It's clear that whether within his solo career or with The Smiths, the impact from Morrissey is evident from his prolific 44 year career.
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