Van Morrison Through The Years

1955 - Joining The Monarchs:
At the tender age of 10, Van Morrison took his first step into the world of music by joining a local skiffle band called The Monarchs. This early exposure to performance and collaboration laid the foundation for his future in the industry. Little did he know that this modest beginning would evolve into a stellar career that would influence generations of musicians.

1964 - 'Gloria' with Them:
The year 1964 marked a pivotal moment in Morrison's career when he fronted the band Them and recorded the iconic song 'Gloria.' The track became an anthem of the burgeoning British Invasion and solidified Morrison's reputation as a powerful and emotive vocalist. 'Gloria' not only propelled Them into the spotlight but also showcased Morrison's ability to infuse raw energy into his performances.

1968 - Astral Weeks Album Release:
In 1968, Van Morrison embarked on a new musical direction with the release of 'Astral Weeks,' a critically acclaimed album that showcased his poetic lyricism and genre-defying approach. The record, blending elements of folk, jazz, and soul, marked a departure from his earlier work and established Morrison as a visionary artist capable of pushing the boundaries of conventional musical genres.

1970 - 'Moondance' Album Release:
Following the introspective tone of 'Astral Weeks,' Morrison demonstrated his versatility with the release of 'Moondance' in 1970. The album featured a more upbeat and soulful sound, highlighted by tracks like 'Into the Mystic' and the title track 'Moondance.' This shift in musical style not only showcased Morrison's range but also solidified his status as a masterful interpreter of various genres.

1974 - 'Veedon Fleece' Album Release:
'Veedon Fleece,' released in 1974, was a contemplative and introspective album that saw Morrison delve into themes of love, loss, and spirituality. While it did not achieve the commercial success of some of his earlier works, the album has since been recognized as a masterpiece, with its intricate arrangements and profound lyrical content.

1980 - 'Common One' Album Release:
The release of 'Common One' in 1980 marked another experimental phase in Morrison's career. The album featured lengthy, jazz-influenced tracks, notably the sprawling 'Summertime in England.' While it received mixed reviews upon release, 'Common One' has since been reevaluated and is regarded as a bold exploration of Morrison's musical boundaries.

1990 - Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
In recognition of his significant contributions to the world of music, Van Morrison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. This prestigious honor solidified his status as a musical icon and acknowledged the enduring impact of his body of work, spanning several decades.

1996 - 'Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison' Tribute Album:
In 1996, a tribute album titled 'Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison' was released, featuring interpretations of Allison's songs by various artists, including Van Morrison. Morrison's contribution to the album highlighted his deep appreciation for jazz and blues influences, showcasing his ability to pay homage to the artists who inspired him.

2006 - 'Pay the Devil' Album Release:
In 2006, Van Morrison released 'Pay the Devil,' an album that saw him delve into the country music genre. This unexpected stylistic departure demonstrated Morrison's ongoing commitment to musical exploration and his ability to infuse authenticity into diverse genres, further showcasing his versatility as an artist.

2015 - 'Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue' Album Release:
'Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue,' released in 2015, featured collaborations between Van Morrison and a diverse array of artists, including Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, and Joss Stone. The album showcased Morrison's enduring influence and his ability to seamlessly collaborate with artists from different generations and genres.