Van Morrison

One of music’s true originals, Sir Van Morrison’s unique and inspirational musical legacy is rooted in postwar Belfast.

Born in 1945, Van was shaped early by his father’s extensive record collection, absorbing blues, country and gospel from artists such as Hank Williams, Muddy Waters and Mahalia Jackson. This foundation informed a lifelong approach that blends genres while remaining unmistakably his own.

By 13, he was a travelling musician, singing and playing guitar and sax in several bands before forming Them in 1964, producing instant classics such as the much-covered ‘Gloria’ and ‘Here Comes The Night’.

Those talents found an astonishing range in Van’s solo career. After working with Them’s New York producer Bert Berns on the beautiful Top 40 pop hit ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ (1967), Morrison moved to another realm. In 1968, Astral Weeks was recorded, combining street poetry, jazz improvisation, Celtic invocation and Afro Celtic Blues wailing. Morrison would weave these and myriad other influences into the albums that followed in quick succession, including Moondance and Tupelo Honey.

Through the 1990s and into the 21st century, Van Morrison continued to advance his status as a game-changing artist. His many honours include a knighthood, six Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which reflect his global impact.

Yet Morrison remains one of the most prolific recording artists and dedicated live performers of his era, continually expanding his work via collaborative projects such as Duets: Re-working the Catalogue in 2015, which featured an array of artists including Bobby Womack, Mavis Staples and Michael Bublé, with handpicked songs from his 360-track catalogue.

With one of the most revered catalogues in music history and his unparalleled talents as composer, singer and performer, Morrison’s past achievements loom large. But, as throughout his extraordinary career, how that past informs his future achievements and still stirs excitement and keen anticipation. Morrison shows no sign of slowing things down, continuing to work on new material and exciting upcoming projects.