Born Belfast 1945. On leaving school played saxophone with The Monarchs. Also spells with other skiffle, rock 'n' roll and showbands around Belfast. A successful residency at The Maritime with the band Them led to a recording contract with Decca and hits with Baby Please Don't Go, Here Comes the Night, and Gloria. After a US tour the group spilt and Morrison returned to Belfast to write. Returned to the US and recorded Brown Eyed Girl, another top ten hit.
Signed to Warners in 1968 and recorded Astral Weeks - 30 years ago this week. Many successful albums followed including Moondance, Tupelo Honey and St Dominics' Preview. A hugely prolific musician, Morrison has brought out a string of critically acclaimed albums and has worked regularly with everyone from Bob Dylan to John Lee Hooker. His last album was entitled The Healing Game. The Philosopher's Stone - a collection of previously unreleased and obscure tracks - is due for release shortly.