Morrissey was born into an Irish migrant family in 1988.
Steven Patrick Morrissey ( born 22 May 1959 ) , professionally known as Morrissey , is an English singer , songwriter and author . Born in Davyhulme , Lancashire , to a working-class Irish migrant family , Morrissey grew up in Manchester . With Johnny Marr he established the Smiths in 1982 , soon attracting national recognition for their self-titled debut album . Personal differences between Morrissey and Marr resulted in The Smiths ' separation in 1987 . In 1988 , Morrissey launched his solo career with the album Viva Hate .