Joan Morrissey - Newfoundland's First Lady of Song

Joan Morrissey died January 10, 1978 at the age of 44.

In October of 1977, Morrissey underwent open-heart surgery due to blockages in her arteries. After the operation Joan was devastated by the scarring on her chest and legs and although it was not known at that time, Joan suffered from deep depression and took her own life at her home in Mount Pearl on January 10, 1978, two weeks before her 45th birthday. Tom Cahill once said “There has never been a Joan Morrissey, since Joan Morrissey. In context if she were around today, she would be the grand lady of show business, because she put Newfoundland on the map long before the Newf-cult revolution began”.

    Since her passing, Rick Moriarity wrote and produced the play “Joan Morrissey Remembered” which premiered at Holy Heart of Mary Theatre on November 4, 5, 6, in 1993. Vicky Hynes portrayed Joan Morrissey in the 3 night production.

    In 1999, The East Coast Music Awards named the winners of the Stompin’ Tom Connors award and Newfoundland singing legend, Joan Morrissey, was among them.

    In May of 2001 during the Grand Opening gala of the new Mile One Stadium in St. John’s, Joan daughter made her debut singing along with her mother. The opening production for this gala included Debbie singing “Scarlet Ribbons” along with her mother who was displayed on the big screen. The footage used of Joan singing live was from the television archives. This performance was reportedly one of the highlights of the night and brought tears to many people in the audience.

Joan Morrissey was and still is Newfoundland’s First Lady of song and will never be forgotten.

~written by Tina Thistle (Joan’s Granddaughter)
acknowledgements

Read a Tribute Poem by Nish Collins