Joan Morrissey

Joan Morrissey was a Newfoundland-Canadian singer.

Joan Morrissey
Promotional Photo
Background information
Birth nameJoan Learning
Born(1935-01-23)January 23, 1935
OriginDominion of Newfoundland
DiedJanuary 10, 1978(1978-01-10) (aged 42)
GenresFolk, traditional, country, Irish
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
InstrumentsVocals
Years activeEarly 1960s–1978
Associated actsDick Nolan, Eddie Coffey, Ryan's Fancy, The Newfoundland Showband
Websitewww.joanmorrissey.com

Born in St. John's, Newfoundland on January 23, 1935, she was one of ten children. Entering the workforce at only thirteen years of age, she quickly moved up in the music industry of her home province of Newfoundland. Starting in the early 1960s, she began her career as a singer hosting and singing on local radio programs on CJON, VOCM, and CBC Radio.

Death

Though the events that culminated in her suicide are not certain, Joan had undergone open heart surgery in October 1977 which left scarring on her chest and legs. It was subsequently reported that she had been severely depressed since her operation and took her own life on January 10, 1978 at her home in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland.[1][2]

Acclaim

With the success of her fourth album, "Home Brew" selling 50,000 copies, and reaching gold status, Joan received honorary awards from the Newfoundland Easter Seals, followed in 1972 by a Juno nomination. As well in the same year she was awarded Newfoundland's Musical Ambassador of Good Will by the Provincial Government.[3] Many her of songs are an homage to Newfoundland lifestyle and are still heard on Canadian radio stations today. Some of her most notable songs include "Thank God We're Surrounded by Water", and "CN Bus". A recently published biography, Yes My Dear..., was nominated for the 2005 Heritage and History Award for Newfoundland and Labrador.[4]

Footnotes
  1. "Biography". Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  2. CBC News
  3. "Biography". Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
  4. "Yes My Dear..." Archived from the original on November 10, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
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