1). This is a prime example of what made Morrissey so popular -- he is completely accessible without being shallow or repetitive, which many in the alternative rock genre took to heart (Flannagan, pp. 63). A cursory examination of Morrissey's life might make it seem easy. But easy lives seldom lead to such complex and influential people, and part of Morrissey's popularity and influence exist because of his ability to deal with adversity. After experiencing the loss of three close friends in a short span of time, Morrissey felt he was finished, and wrote what he believed to be his last album -- now one of his greatest successes (Roberts, 379-80). Morrissey himself attributes his continued popularity and influence on other musicians at least in part to this same resilience and persistence that he has shown throughout his life (Morrissey).

It is impossible to say with any certainty exactly why one musician becomes popular when so many don't. In Morrissey's case, however, his continued appeal has everything to do with his continued relevance. By continuing to speak the truth of his heart and his mind, people can't help but feel a genuine connection to him. For some this feeling is even palpable in his presence (Harper, par. 12). The rest of us just enjoy the music, and knowing someone still cares enough to make it good.

"Review: The Smith's the Queen is Dead." 2007. Accessed 12 April 2009. http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=8449
Coleman, Mark. "Review: Morrissey's Viva Hate." May 19, 1988. Accessed 11 Paril 2009. http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/233611/review/5943128/vivahate

DiCrescenzo, Brian. "Review: Morrissey's You Are the Quarry." Pitchfork. May 19, 2004. Accessed 12 April 2009. http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5437-you-are-the-quarry/

Flannagan, Joe. "Morrissey: Ten Years After the Smiths." New Music Express. 1998.

Harper, Jason. "Concert Review: Morrissey, April 7, 2009, at the Midland." 2009. Accessed April 12, 2009. http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2009/04/concert_review_morrissey_april.php

"Legion of the Cramped." Accessed 12 April 2009. http://www.punk77.co.uk/groups/nosebleeds2.htm

Morrissey. Accessed 12 April 2009. http://www.myspace.com/morrissey

Punk 77. "The Nosebleeds." Punk77. 2000. Accessed 11 April 2009. http://www.punk77.co.uk/groups/nosebleeds2.htm

Roberts, David (ed.) British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: HIT Entertainment, 2006.

Rogan, Johnny. "The Smiths: Johnny Marr's View." Record Collector. November/December 1992.