Joan Morrissey
| Joan Morrissey | |
|---|---|
 Promotional Photo | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Joan Learning |
| Born | January 27, 1933 |
| Origin | St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada |
| Died | January 10, 1978 (aged 44) |
| Genres | Folk, traditional, country, Irish |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | Early 1960s–1978 |
| Associated acts | Dick Nolan, Eddie Coffey, Ryans Fancy, The Newfoundland Showband |
| Website | www.joanmorrissey.com |
Joan Morrissey is widely considered to be "Newfoundland's First Lady Of Song". Born in St. John's, Newfoundland on January 23, 1933, 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 committed suicide 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]