Morrissey a stirring figure in pop culture (Updated January 10, 2013)

From his days as a shy, awkward teenager to the furor over his dark, cynical lyrics and political views, Steven Patrick Morrissey rose to prominence in the 1980s and has been called "one of the most singular figures in Western popular culture from the last twenty years."

Known today only by the surname Morrissey, the singer is oft recognized for his 1950's quiff – a hairstyle that combines the pompadour, flattop and mowhawk. It's a style he's perfected since fronting a band called The Nosebleeds in the 1970's, then partnering with guitarist Johnny Marr before helping to form The Smiths in the early 80's. The band's debut single "Hand in Glove" was filled with references to homosexuality, and due to its lyrics made them an underground sensation in the U.K.
Morrissey continued to attract media attention with outrageous statements, criticism of the British Prime Minister and his advocacy of vegetarianism. The Smiths' eponymous debut album was a smash hit, the follow-up "Meat is Murder" caused quite a stir, and the 1986 LP "The Queen is Dead" was critically acclaimed. But it wasn't long before friction caused the breakup of the band and Morrissey began a solo career.

Though Morrissey initially achieved plenty of success with his solo venture behind the album, "Viva Hate," his star faded in the U.K. when it took him three years to release another record. Still, his glory days were far from over. Morrissey's buzz in the U.S. reached a fever pitch with the release of hard-rocking, glammed-up record "Your Arsenal" was released, and he's been a touring attraction ever since.

Morrissey spent nearly all of 2012 on the road, with his tour starting in South America and continuing through Asia and North America. He has 32 cities on the books for 2013, beginning in Greenvale, NY on January 9 and ending in Portland, Oregon on March 8. Kristeen Young will open, and Patti Smith and her band will be special guests at the Staples Center concert in Los Angeles.