Bold claim: Hazel O’Connor’s influence on modern pop and film scores is bigger than many fans realise, and this Coventry exhibition is a crucial reminder of her impact. Hazel O’Connor first made waves in the 1980 film Breaking Glass, where she stood out as a young, determined singer-songwriter. Since then, a host of major artists—Pink, Lady Gaga, and Kylie Minogue—have cited her as a pivotal influence on their own careers.
At the exhibition, visitors can relive Breaking Glass on a large cinema screen, alongside live performances from saxophonist Clare Hirst and pianist Sarah Fisher. Both musicians toured with O’Connor, and Hirst recalls their early 1980s meeting as the moment she realised how much fun they could have making music together. She describes O’Connor as a fiercely driven individual who takes action once she sets her mind to something.
Hirst also reflected on the exhibition itself, calling Being Hazel a meaningful celebration of O’Connor’s work. She emphasised that O’Connor’s talents as a songwriter are vast and perhaps underappreciated, noting that even longtime fans might not be familiar with the full breadth of her catalogue.
During the event, the curators faced the dilemma of choosing which tracks and moments to feature, underscoring the richness of O’Connor’s legacy and the challenge of narrowing it down for a single day. This exhibition shines a light on a musician who helped shape an era and continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
Would you agree that Hazel O’Connor’s influence deserves broader recognition in today’s music landscape, or do you feel her legacy has already been fully acknowledged? Share your perspective in the comments.
