Sister Janet Mead was an Australian Catholic nun who had an international hit single in 1974 with “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Religious calling and singing career
Mead began combining her love of music and her Christianity when she was still a teen, forming a rock band to perform at her church’s weekly Mass. She joined the Sisters of Mercy, where she taught music in local schools as well as continuing to offer rock music in worship services, one of the first to do so in Australia. Her 1974 recording of “The Lord’s Prayer” became a hit in Australia, the U.S., and Canada, making it to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its success, Mead became the first Australian recording artist to have a gold record in the United States. She was nominated for a Grammy Award, and she donated all of her royalties to charity.
“The Lord’s Prayer” was the only Top Ten hit in history with lyrics entirely taken from the Bible, and Mead was the second nun to have a U.S. hit record, after Jeanine Deckers, the Singing Nun who recorded “Dominique.” Mead recorded several albums but preferred to stay out of the spotlight and focus on her religious calling and her work as a teacher. In 2004, she was named South Australian of the Year for her work helping the homeless.
Notable quote
“I believe that life is a unity and therefore not divided into compartments. That means that worship, music, recreation, work and all other ‘little boxes’ of our lives are really inseparable and this is why I believe that people should be given the opportunity to worship God with the language and music that is part of their ordinary life.” —from the liner notes of Mead’s 1974 album “With You I Am”
Tributes to Sister Janet Mead
So very sad to hear that Sr Janet Mead has passed away. She embodied what we champion – women living a life with purpose, caring for community, speaking truth to power & having fun along the way.
RIP Sister Janet Mead. We’re sure you’ll still be rockin’ wherever you are. pic.twitter.com/4wRBIsHry9
— OWN NSW (@age_no_barrier) January 27, 2022
Saddened by the news that Sister Janet Mead has passed away.
She worked tirelessly helping the less fortunate.
We have lost someone truly remarkable, but her legacy will live on.
My deepest condolences to her family, the Sisters of Mercy & all at the Adelaide Day Centre pic.twitter.com/N3g9OfBFmx
— Peter Malinauskas (@PMalinauskasMP) January 27, 2022
I greatly admired the work of Sister Janet Mead and cherished our times together over the last 20 years.
It is with great sadness that we heard of her passing today.
Those overcoming disadvantage have lost a champion.
Aboriginal people have lost a true friend and ally.
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— Kyam Maher (@kymaher) January 27, 2022
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sister Janet Mead.
She touched millions of people worldwide with her inspired version of the Lord’s Prayer.
My thoughts are with her family and friends, and all those who she touched during her lifetime of service. pic.twitter.com/Y9EM9CcVuQ
— Steven Marshall, MP (@marshall_steven) January 27, 2022
Full obituary: ABC News
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