# Morrissey

> British singer and songwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q202246](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202246)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morrissey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/morrissey

## Summary
Morrissey is a British singer and songwriter, best known as the frontman of the influential rock band The Smiths. He is celebrated for his distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and contributions to alternative rock music, shaping the genre's sound and cultural impact in the 1980s and beyond.

## Biography
- Born: May 22, 1959, in Manchester, England
- Nationality: British
- Education: Attended Manchester Grammar School
- Known for: Leading The Smiths, pioneering alternative rock, and influencing indie music
- Employer(s): The Smiths, Decca Records, Island Records, His Master's Voice
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, poetry

## Contributions
- **The Smiths**: Founded the iconic British rock band in 1982, known for albums like *The Queen Is Dead* (1986) and *Strangeways, Here We Come* (1987), which defined alternative rock and indie music.
- **Solo Career**: Released solo albums such as *Viva Hate* (1988) and *You Are the Quarry* (1991), blending poetic lyrics with raw emotional intensity.
- **Poetry**: Published collections of poetry, including *The Smiths Songs: The Complete Lyrics* (1987), which expanded his literary influence.
- **Record Labels**: Worked with major labels like Decca Records and Island Records, shaping the sound of British music in the 1980s and 1990s.

## FAQs
**What is Morrissey known for?**
Morrissey is known for his role as the lead singer of The Smiths, a band that defined alternative rock in the 1980s, and for his poetic, often melancholic songwriting style.

**Where was Morrissey born?**
Morrissey was born on May 22, 1959, in Manchester, England.

**What genres did Morrissey influence?**
Morrissey influenced alternative rock, indie rock, and indie pop, shaping the sound of British music in the 1980s and 1990s.

**Which record labels did Morrissey work with?**
Morrissey worked with Decca Records, Island Records, and His Master's Voice, contributing to the development of The Smiths' sound.

**What is Morrissey's musical style?**
Morrissey's musical style is characterized by poetic lyrics, melancholic themes, and a distinctive vocal delivery, blending elements of rock, pop, and poetry.

## Why They Matter
Morrissey's work with The Smiths revolutionized alternative rock, introducing a new wave of poetic and introspective songwriting that influenced generations of musicians. His solo career further cemented his legacy as a literary figure in music, blending poetry with rock. Morrissey's influence extends beyond music, as his lyrics and persona have inspired artists across genres, shaping the cultural landscape of indie and alternative music.

## Notable For
- Leading The Smiths, one of the most influential bands of the 1980s
- Pioneering alternative rock with poetic and melancholic lyrics
- Publishing collections of poetry, including *The Smiths Songs: The Complete Lyrics*
- Collaborating with major record labels like Decca Records and Island Records
- Influencing indie rock and indie pop with his distinctive vocal style
- Known for his introspective and often dark lyrical themes

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Morrissey was born on May 22, 1959, in Manchester, England. He attended Manchester Grammar School, where he developed an early interest in music and poetry. His formative years in Manchester shaped his musical sensibilities, which later became central to The Smiths' sound.

### The Smiths and Musical Breakthrough
Morrissey co-founded The Smiths in 1982, a band that quickly gained fame for its raw, poetic approach to rock music. The Smiths' debut album, *The Queen Is Dead* (1986), became a defining work of alternative rock, featuring iconic tracks like "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." The band's second album, *Strangeways, Here We Come* (1987), further solidified their influence, blending melancholic lyrics with catchy melodies.

### Solo Career and Literary Influence
After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Morrissey launched a successful solo career, releasing albums like *Viva Hate* (1988) and *You Are the Quarry* (1991). His solo work continued to explore poetic and introspective themes, further establishing his reputation as a literary figure in music. He also published collections of poetry, including *The Smiths Songs: The Complete Lyrics* (1987), which expanded his influence beyond music.

### Record Labels and Industry Impact
Morrissey worked with major record labels, including Decca Records and Island Records, contributing to the development of The Smiths' sound and shaping the trajectory of British music in the 1980s and 1990s. His collaborations with these labels helped define the alternative rock genre and influenced the broader music industry.

### Legacy and Influence
Morrissey's legacy extends far beyond his musical contributions. His poetic lyrics and distinctive vocal style have influenced generations of musicians, shaping the sound of indie rock and indie pop. His work with The Smiths and his solo career have cemented his place as a literary figure in music, blending poetry with rock in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. datos.bne.es
3. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Bibliothèque nationale de France
7. BnF authorities
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. BBC Things
11. ISWC Network
12. Google Knowledge Graph
13. Quora
14. The Movie Database
15. LIBRIS. 2013
16. YouTube API