

He found an early love in poetry and writing, outlets that helped him cope with the occasional bouts of depression that gripped his life. The son of a hospital porter and a librarian, Morrissey was a moody, introspective child. Stephen Patrick Morrissey, who is most commonly referred to by his last name, was born on May 22, 1959, in Manchester, England. 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. With his eccentric style and acid-tongued lyrics, he became an icon for disaffected youth.

Morrissey gained fame in the 1980s as the co-founder and frontman of the Smiths, a British rock band.
