Morrison Is Now Sir Van the Man

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Photo by Bradley Quinn

Belfast born and reared singer and songwriter Van Morrison has been awarded a knighthood in this year’s annual English Queen’s Birthday Honours list. It is the highest accolade given to a citizen of the British Empire, in his case for his services to music and tourism in Northern Ireland (which he has written about in song over the years with affection, reverence and beauty).

“Throughout my career I have always preferred to let my music speak for me, and it is a huge honor to now have that body of work recognized in this way,” Morrison says.

He will also be lauded further when he receives the Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame gala in New York City this coming Thursday, June 18th. Morrison is currently riding high with his acclaimed Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue album (see our review here).