Morrissey, Joan
Websites:
http://www.joanmorrissey.com
Origin:
St. John's, Newfoundland
Biography:
Joan Morrissey: Newfoundland’s First Lady of Song
Joan Morrissey, affectionately known as “Newfoundland’s First Lady of Song,” was a pioneering performer whose influence on Newfoundland’s music and culture continues to resonate. Born on January 23, 1935, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, she was one of ten children in a hardworking family. Her career, spanning radio, television, stage performances, and recording, remains legendary, though her personal struggles cast a poignant shadow over her remarkable achievements.
A Remarkable Career
Joan Morrissey’s journey into the entertainment world began in the 1960s. Her charisma and talent made her a staple on local radio stations such as CJON, VOCM, and CBC Radio. Television programs, including All Around the Circle and Talent Showcase, brought her vibrant stage presence into living rooms across Newfoundland. Morrissey’s lounge performances, particularly at the Hotel Newfoundland in St. John’s, became iconic, blending her humor, musical talent, and deep connection with her audience.
Her repertoire included traditional Newfoundland songs, country ballads, and satirical compositions that continue to be cherished at kitchen parties across the province. Many of her best-known songs, including CN Bus, The Mobile Goat, The Boarding House on Federation Square, and Thank God We’re Surrounded by Water, were written in collaboration with CBC producer Tom Cahill. These songs celebrated the unique culture and humor of Newfoundland, solidifying her as a cultural ambassador.
Achievements and Legacy
Over her career, Morrissey recorded six albums, including her debut, All-Time Country Favourites (1967), and the gold-certified Home Brew, which sold over 50,000 copies. She earned a Juno nomination for Album of the Year in 1973, becoming one of the first Newfoundlanders to achieve this honor. In 1999, the Morrissey family received the Stompin’ Tom Award at the ECMAs in recognition of her contributions to Canadian music.
Morrissey’s dedication extended beyond her own career; she tirelessly promoted young Newfoundland artists, advocating for their work and mentoring them through the challenges of the music industry.
Challenges Behind the Curtain
Despite her success, Morrissey faced significant struggles. She often felt exploited by record executives who profited from her albums, particularly Home Brew. While she lit up the stage, her offstage life was fraught with challenges, including the difficulties of raising six children while managing a demanding career.
In 1976, she underwent major open-heart surgery, which left her with health complications and deepened her struggles with depression. Tragically, Morrissey died by suicide on January 10, 1978, at her home in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. She was 42 years old.
A Life Remembered: Yes My Dear… and Surrounded by Water
Joan Morrissey’s life and legacy have been honored in multiple ways. Her eldest daughter, Debbie Morrissey Stafford, penned a deeply personal biography, Yes My Dear… The Life and Times of Joan Morrissey – Newfoundland’s First Lady of Song. Published in 2003, the book broke the silence surrounding her death and offered an intimate look at her life and struggles.
In 2019, Morrissey’s life became the subject of a short film, Surrounded by Water, directed by Rhonda Buckley. Inspired by Cahill’s song Thank God We’re Surrounded by Water, the film chronicles Morrissey’s extraordinary career, her health struggles, and her untimely death. The film, part of CBC’s Canadian Reflections series, played at several film festivals and is now available for streaming on CBC Gem.
The Enduring Impact of a Legend
Joan Morrissey’s voice continues to echo in Newfoundland’s culture, her songs serving as a tribute to the province’s unique way of life. Her posthumous album Memories compiles 15 of her most beloved songs, ensuring that new generations can connect with her artistry.
While her life was tragically cut short, Morrissey’s legacy as a trailblazing artist, advocate, and cultural icon remains firmly intact, reminding us of the power of music to celebrate and preserve the spirit of a place and its people.
