Additional Coverage:
- ‘Van the Man’ Turns 81 (parade.com)
Van Morrison, the celebrated musician whose career has spanned over six decades, marks his 81st birthday today.
Born on August 31, 1945, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Morrison began his musical journey as a teenager in the late 1950s, showcasing his talents on instruments including the saxophone, guitar, and harmonica while performing with local Irish showbands.
In 1964, he formed the rhythm and blues band Them, where he gained prominence as the lead vocalist on the garage-rock anthem “Gloria.” Morrison penned this iconic track at just 18 years old. Known for its dynamic live performances, “Gloria” was often extended with improvised lyrics, sometimes lasting up to 20 minutes on stage.
The song’s enduring influence was recognized in 1999 when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It has since been covered by numerous artists, notably Patti Smith, whose 1975 reinterpretation titled “Gloria: Excelsis Deo” appeared on her debut album Horses. Smith’s version earned a spot at number 97 on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and has been hailed by critics as one of the best classic rock songs ever recorded.
Throughout his illustrious career, Van Morrison has received two Grammy Awards. In 1996, he won for Pop Collaboration With Vocals for his 1989 hit “Have I Told You Lately,” recorded with The Chieftains. Two years later, in 1998, he earned the same award category for his collaboration with John Lee Hooker on “Don’t Look Back.”
Morrison is affectionately known as “Van the Man,” a nickname bestowed upon him by members of the Canadian-American rock group The Band. The moniker originated during The Band’s farewell concert, The Last Waltz, held at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom on November 25, 1976, and famously captured on film by director Martin Scorsese.
Guitarist Robbie Robertson called out “Van the Man” as Morrison exited the stage after performing “Caravan.” Morrison acknowledged the nickname during his 2016 knighthood, inviting fans to continue using it if they wished.
As he celebrates this milestone birthday, Van Morrison’s legacy as a pioneering and influential figure in music remains firmly intact.
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- ‘Van the Man’ Turns 81 (parade.com)