Van Morrison - Lyricists & Songwriters, Birthday and Childhood
Van Morrison's Personal Details
Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter, musician and record producer
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthday | August 31, 1945 |
| Nationality | British, Northern Irish |
| Famous | Lyricists & Songwriters, Singers, Rock Singers, Folk Singers |
| Nick names | Van the Man |
| Spouses | Michelle Rocca, Janet Planet (m. 1968 – div. 1973) |
| Known as | Sir George Ivan Morrison |
| Childrens | Aibbe Rocca Morrison, Fionn Ivan Patrick Morrison, Shana Morrison |
| Universities |
|
| Birth Place | Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Religion | Anglicanism |
| Height | 165 |
| Gender | Male |
| Father | George Morrison |
| Mother | Violet Stitt Morrison |
| Sun Sign | Virgo |
| Born in | Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Famous as | Singer |
| Socials |
// Famous Singers
Isaak Presley
All about American actor and singer Isaak Presley including his age, birthday, family life, girlfriends, net worth, and some fun facts.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell is an American singer and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family, personal life, birthday, etc.
Sophia Montero
Sophia Montero is an American singer and YouTuber. Let’s have a look at her family and personal life including age, date of birth, net worth, relationships, and fun facts.
Van Morrison's photo
Who is Van Morrison?
Van Morrison aka Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. Also known as "Van the Man", he is recognized for his musical achievements as well as his services to charitable causes and tourism in his native place. Morrison grew up listening to artistes such as Ray Charles, Sonny Terry and Jelly Roll Morton, thanks to his father’s varied record collection that exposed him to various musical genres. He started his music career as a teenager in the 1950s, playing a variety of instruments like harmonica, guitar, saxophone, and the keyboards in Irish bands, covering the popular hits of that time. Morrison came into the limelight in the mid-1960s as the lead vocalist of the R&B band ‘Them’ with whom he recorded the classic "Gloria". He then went on to perform as a solo artiste and gained further fame with the release of his 1967 hit single "Brown Eyed Girl". The Irish singer strengthened his reputation even more in the 1970s when he released a series of hit albums and gave stunning live performances. Today, he continues to sing and perform and often collaborates with other well-known artistes and bands like The Chieftains and Georgie Fame. In recognition of his works, Morrison has received several awards including a Brit Award and two Grammy Awards.
// Famous Rock Singers
Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett was an English musician best known as a member of the band Pink Floyd. Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Mike Love
One of the famous members of ‘The Beach Boys’, Mike Love is an American singer, musician and lyricist. Check out this biography to get more detailed information on his life.
Ronnie Spector
Ronnie Spector (Veronica Yvette Bennett) is a well-known American rock-and-roll singer of the early 1960s and 1970s. This biography profiles her childhood, family, personal life, music career, etc.
Childhood & Early Life
George Ivan “Van” Morrison was born on 31 August 1945 in Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland as the only child of his parents. His mother Violet Stitt Morrison had been a singer and dancer in her youth while his father George Morrison was a shipyard electrician.
From 1950 to 1956, Morrison attended Elmgrove Primary School. At that time, his father had one of the largest record collections and Morrison grew up listening to various music legends.
His father's collection also exposed him to numerous musical genres, such as the gospel of Mahalia Jackson; the blues of Muddy Waters; the jazz of Charlie Parker; the country music of Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers; and the folk music of Woody Guthrie.
At the age of 11, Morrison started playing the guitar. A year later, he formed his first ever band called "The Sputniks" that played at a number of local cinemas before disbanding.
After this, he formed another skiffle band Midnight Special and played at school concerts. After learning saxophone, he joined the band the Javelins along with lead vocalist Deanie Sands, drummer and vocalist Roy Kane, and guitarist George Jones. Later, these four main musicians of the Javelins, with the recruitment of pianist Wesley Black, became known as the Monarchs.
Morrison then enrolled at Orangefield Boys Secondary School. However, he left the school in July 1960 with no formal qualification. He then went on to work as a window cleaner before pursuing a professional music career.
Career
Van Morrison continued playing with the Monarchs. At the age of 17, he toured Europe for the first time with the band. While in Germany, the band recorded their single, "Boozoo Hully Gully"/"Twingy Baby" under the name of Georgie and the Monarchs.
In November 1963, the group disbanded and Morrison went on to play with Geordie Sproule and guitarist Herbie Armstrong in the Manhattan Showband. When Armstrong auditioned to play with the Golden Eagles and Brian Rossi, later known as the Wheels, Morrison also went along and was hired as a blues singer.
He eventually left the Golden Eagles to play with a new R&B club band along with Billy Harrison, Alan Henderson, Ronnie Millings and Eric Wrixon. This band, named ‘Them,’ went on to create numerous covers.
The band then signed a deal with Dick Rowe of Decca Records. In the mid-1960s, they released two studio albums and ten singles including the hits "Here Comes the Night", "Baby, Please Don't Go" and "Mystic Eyes".
In 1966, Them undertook a two-month tour to the USA. After performing in Ireland, they disbanded and Morrison then began concentrating on writing songs.
Van Morrison was soon contacted by Bert Berns who asked him to record solo for his label Bang Records. Morrison agreed and recorded eight songs which were released as part of the album ‘Blowin' Your Mind.’
In mid-June 1967, the Irish singer’s single "Brown Eyed Girl" was released. The song became a huge hit and charted at multiple charts.
Morrison then moved to Boston where he had trouble finding concert bookings. He then began recording with Warner Bros Records. He also worked with Berns' Web IV Music.
His first album for Warner Bros Records was titled ‘Astral Weeks.’ Released in 1968, this album is considered as one of the best albums of all time. It was listed at #19 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of ‘The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time’ as well as at #2 on the 1995 Mojo list of the 100 Best Albums. In December 2009, the album was voted the top Irish album of all time in a poll conducted by Hot Press magazine.
The Irish artiste then came up with his album ‘Tupelo Honey’ (1971) that included the hit singles "Wild Night", “Jackie Wilson Said” and "Redwood Tree". He released his next album ‘Hard Nose the Highway’ in 1973; it contained the popular song "Warm Love". That year, Morrison also wrote seven tracks for his album ‘Veedon Fleece.’
In 1977, he collaborated with Dr. John on his album ‘A Period of Transition’. Two years later, he released his album ‘Into the Music’ that included the hit track "Bright Side of the Road".
The Irish singer’s most controversial album ‘Common One’ came out in February 1980. It consisted of six songs with "Summertime in England" being the longest one. Two years later, his album ‘Beautiful Vision’ was released. It included the songs "Vanlose Stairway", "Scandinavia" and "She Gives Me Religion".
During the 1980s, Morrison released a few albums based on the themes of spirituality and faith. These albums titled ‘Inarticulate Speech of the Heart’, ‘A Sense of Wonder’ and ‘No Guru, No Method, No Teacher’ registered good sales.
In 1987, he released ‘Poetic Champions Compose’ that included the song "Someone Like You". This song later went on to be featured in the soundtracks of many films including 1995's ‘French Kiss.’ After this, Morrison released the albums ‘Irish Heartbeat’ and ‘Avalon Sunset’.
The 1990s began with the release of his album ‘The Best of Van Morrison.’ It was followed by albums like ‘After Enlightenment’ and ‘The Best of Van Morrison Volume Two’. In 1994, the singer’s live double album titled ‘A Night in San Francisco’ came out.
During the 1990s, he also gave a number of live jazz performances including ‘How Long Has This Been Going On’, ‘Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison’ and ‘The Skiffle Sessions – Live in Belfast 1998’.
Van Morrison continued to tour and record in the 2000s. In 2005, he released his album ‘Magic Time’ that debuted at #25 on the US Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
In 2006, he released ‘Pay the Devil’, an album with a country music theme. That year, he also released his first ever commercial DVD titled Live at Montreux 1980/1974.
His new double CD compilation album titled ‘The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3’ came out in 2007. This was followed by a 37-track double CD compilation album ‘Still on Top – The Greatest Hits’.
On 17 March 2008, Morrison's studio album ‘Keep It Simple’ was released by Exile/Polydor Records in the UK. Four years later, his studio album titled ‘Born to Sing: No Plan B’ was released.
In the mid-2010s, the singer worked on a few albums, namely ‘Duets: Re-working the Catalogue’, ‘Keep Me Singing’ and ‘Versatile’.
His studio album ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’ was released in April 2018 via Sony Legacy Recordings. This album features numerous collaborations with artiste Joey DeFrancesco.
Major Works
In 1970, Van Morrison released his third solo album titled ‘Moondance’ that became his first album to sell over a million copies. It went on to peak at #29 on the US Billboard Albums chart. The album featured positive and cheerful music which was liked by the audience. Its track "Into the Mystic" also became a huge hit.
In 1978, the Irish singer released his album ‘Wavelength’ that soon went gold and became one of the fastest-selling albums of that time. Its opening single "Kingdom Hall" evoked his childhood experiences of religion and spirituality with his mother.
Personal Life
Van Morrison was once married to Janet Rigsbee. The couple had a daughter, Shana Morrison, before divorcing in 1973.
He met Irish socialite Michelle Rocca in the early 1990s. They got married and had two children. The couple divorced in 2018.
In 2009, Morrison's tour manager Gigi Lee gave birth to a son and claimed that the baby’s father was Morrison. The baby died of an illness in 2011.
In August 2014, he established a "Van Morrison Trail" in partnership with Connswater Community Greenway in East Belfast.
// Famous Lyricists & Songwriters
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell is an American singer and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family, personal life, birthday, etc.
Bea Miller
Check out all that you wanted to know about Bea Miller, the famous singer & actress; her birthday, her family and personal life, her boyfriends, fun trivia facts and more.
Kylee Renee
Check out all that you wanted to know about Kylee Renee, the famous singer; her birthday, her family and personal life, her boyfriends, fun trivia facts and more.
Van Morrison's awards
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
Other | ||
| 0 | Officer of the Order of the British Empire | |
| 0 | Officier des Arts et des Lettres | |
| 0 | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | |
Van Morrison biography timelines
- // 31st Aug 1945George Ivan “Van” Morrison was born on 31 August 1945 in Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland as the only child of his parents. His mother Violet Stitt Morrison had been a singer and dancer in her youth while his father George Morrison was a shipyard electrician.
- // 1950 To 1956From 1950 to 1956, Morrison attended Elmgrove Primary School. At that time, his father had one of the largest record collections and Morrison grew up listening to various music legends.
- // Jul 1960Morrison then enrolled at Orangefield Boys Secondary School. However, he left the school in July 1960 with no formal qualification. He then went on to work as a window cleaner before pursuing a professional music career.
- // Nov 1963In November 1963, the group disbanded and Morrison went on to play with Geordie Sproule and guitarist Herbie Armstrong in the Manhattan Showband. When Armstrong auditioned to play with the Golden Eagles and Brian Rossi, later known as the Wheels, Morrison also went along and was hired as a blues singer.
- // 1966In 1966, Them undertook a two-month tour to the USA. After performing in Ireland, they disbanded and Morrison then began concentrating on writing songs.
- // Jun 1967In mid-June 1967, the Irish singer’s single "Brown Eyed Girl" was released. The song became a huge hit and charted at multiple charts.
- // 1970In 1970, Van Morrison released his third solo album titled ‘Moondance’ that became his first album to sell over a million copies. It went on to peak at #29 on the US Billboard Albums chart. The album featured positive and cheerful music which was liked by the audience. Its track "Into the Mystic" also became a huge hit.
- // 1971 To 1973The Irish artiste then came up with his album ‘Tupelo Honey’ (1971) that included the hit singles "Wild Night", “Jackie Wilson Said” and "Redwood Tree". He released his next album ‘Hard Nose the Highway’ in 1973; it contained the popular song "Warm Love". That year, Morrison also wrote seven tracks for his album ‘Veedon Fleece.’
- // 1973Van Morrison was once married to Janet Rigsbee. The couple had a daughter, Shana Morrison, before divorcing in 1973.
- // 1977In 1977, he collaborated with Dr. John on his album ‘A Period of Transition’. Two years later, he released his album ‘Into the Music’ that included the hit track "Bright Side of the Road".
- // 1978In 1978, the Irish singer released his album ‘Wavelength’ that soon went gold and became one of the fastest-selling albums of that time. Its opening single "Kingdom Hall" evoked his childhood experiences of religion and spirituality with his mother.
- // Feb 1980The Irish singer’s most controversial album ‘Common One’ came out in February 1980. It consisted of six songs with "Summertime in England" being the longest one. Two years later, his album ‘Beautiful Vision’ was released. It included the songs "Vanlose Stairway", "Scandinavia" and "She Gives Me Religion".
- // 1987 To 1995In 1987, he released ‘Poetic Champions Compose’ that included the song "Someone Like You". This song later went on to be featured in the soundtracks of many films including 1995's ‘French Kiss.’ After this, Morrison released the albums ‘Irish Heartbeat’ and ‘Avalon Sunset’.
- // 1990 To 1994The 1990s began with the release of his album ‘The Best of Van Morrison.’ It was followed by albums like ‘After Enlightenment’ and ‘The Best of Van Morrison Volume Two’. In 1994, the singer’s live double album titled ‘A Night in San Francisco’ came out.
- // 1990 To 2018He met Irish socialite Michelle Rocca in the early 1990s. They got married and had two children. The couple divorced in 2018.
- // 1998During the 1990s, he also gave a number of live jazz performances including ‘How Long Has This Been Going On’, ‘Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison’ and ‘The Skiffle Sessions – Live in Belfast 1998’.
- // 2000 To 2005Van Morrison continued to tour and record in the 2000s. In 2005, he released his album ‘Magic Time’ that debuted at #25 on the US Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
- // 2007His new double CD compilation album titled ‘The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3’ came out in 2007. This was followed by a 37-track double CD compilation album ‘Still on Top – The Greatest Hits’.
- // 17th Mar 2008On 17 March 2008, Morrison's studio album ‘Keep It Simple’ was released by Exile/Polydor Records in the UK. Four years later, his studio album titled ‘Born to Sing: No Plan B’ was released.
- // 2009 To 2011In 2009, Morrison's tour manager Gigi Lee gave birth to a son and claimed that the baby’s father was Morrison. The baby died of an illness in 2011.
- // Aug 2014In August 2014, he established a "Van Morrison Trail" in partnership with Connswater Community Greenway in East Belfast.
- // Apr 2018His studio album ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’ was released in April 2018 via Sony Legacy Recordings. This album features numerous collaborations with artiste Joey DeFrancesco.
// Famous Folk Singers
Cass Elliot
Cass Elliot, also referred to as Mama Cass, was an American actress and singer. Check out this biography to know about her birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her.
Charlotte Rampling
Charlotte Rampling is an English actor, model, and singer. Check out this biography to know more about her childhood, family, personal life, achievements etc.
Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens is a British singer-songwriter who spends a lot of his time in philanthropic and educational causes for the Muslim society. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline
Tracy Chapman
Known for her classic ‘Fast Car’ from the album ‘Matters Of The Heart’, the four-time Grammy award winner Tracy Chapman is an American singer and a songwriter. Check out this biography for detailed information on her life.
Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot is a renowned Canadian singer and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado is a Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter made famous by her hit songs ‘Promiscuous’ , ‘I’m Like a Bird’, and ‘Try’. This biography provides detailed information about her childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Van Morrison's FAQ
What is Van Morrison birthday?
Van Morrison was born at 1945-08-31
Where is Van Morrison's birth place?
Van Morrison was born in Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland
What is Van Morrison nationalities?
Van Morrison's nationalities is British, Northern Irish
What is Van Morrison nick names?
Van Morrison's nickNames is Van the Man
Who is Van Morrison spouses?
Van Morrison's spouses is Michelle Rocca, Janet Planet (m. 1968 – div. 1973)
Who is Van Morrison childrens?
Van Morrison's childrens is Aibbe Rocca Morrison, Fionn Ivan Patrick Morrison, Shana Morrison
What was Van Morrison universities?
Van Morrison studied at Elm Grove Primary School, Elmgrove Primary School, Orangefield High School
What is Van Morrison's religion?
Van Morrison's religion is Anglicanism
How tall is Van Morrison?
Van Morrison's height is 165
Who is Van Morrison's father?
Van Morrison's father is George Morrison
Who is Van Morrison's mother?
Van Morrison's mother is Violet Stitt Morrison
What is Van Morrison's sun sign?
Van Morrison is Virgo
How famous is Van Morrison?
Van Morrison is famouse as Singer
What is Van Morrison's facebook?
Van Morrison's facebook is https://www.facebook.com/vanmorrisonofficial/
What is Van Morrison's twitter?
Van Morrison's twitter is https://twitter.com/vanmorrison/
What is Van Morrison's youtube?
Van Morrison's youtube is https://www.youtube.com/user/vanmorrisonofficial/
What is Van Morrison's instagram?
Van Morrison's instagram is https://www.instagram.com/vanmorrisonofficial/