One certainly does not need to embellish or imagine when presented with the task of writing about Van Morrison. He is legendary and yet he is very real. I suppose that is the essence of Van Morrison, born George Ivan Morrison, on August 31st, 1945. He is at once both mystical and real. His music is today and always has been his soul’s extension riding on a raw and fundamental talent such as is rarely seen in this world.
His list of credentials and certifications is simply daunting. Van Morrison has amassed a collection of music that is without rival in all of recorded history. He has accomplished things in the musical world that have never been done before. His legacy is to have influenced all succeeding generations of musicians and songwriters of all genres, today and for many years to come. Van Morrison has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1993) and the Song Writers Hall of Fame (2007). Rolling Stone magazine placed him twenty-fourth in 100 of the greatest singers of all time in the November 2008 list.
Mr. Ivan Morrison is the master of the poetic phrase full of esoteric allusions. Although some may think that these are meant for the few, the whole world may differ. He has added to his list of accomplishment, blues and R&B. His accomplishments also include pop music, jazz, rock, folk, country, gospel, Irish folk and traditional, big band, new age and classic. I told you it was daunting.
Curiously enough, Van Morrison has worked with another legendary master of the esoteric vintage- Roger Waters. Morrison played “Pink” a character in the 1990 release of “The Wall” that was produced by Roger and his long time friend Ken O’Neill. True to form, Rogers and Morrison create an epic event. Roger Waters lead a star studded cast in a colossal performance of his acclaimed concept. The Wall was produced in support of The War Memorial Fund for Disaster Relief. The setting is Berlin, Germany, less than a year after the destruction of the hated Berlin Wall. This is an excellent example of the kind of work that he submerges himself into. Highly original and influencing ideas which developed future events are his hallmark.