British singer and songwriter (born May 22, 1959, in Manchester, UK), best known as the former lead singer and co-founder of The Smiths with Johnny Marr. He began his music career in the late 1970s as a lead singer for punk bands. He formed Sulky Young (renamed The Tee Shirts) and later paired for a short time with Billy Duffy for a handful of live performances. In 1982, Morrissey and Marr formed The Smiths, and he remained in the band until he decided to leave in late 1987. He debuted as a solo artist in 1988.

Previously worked at the Inland Revenue.