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Copyright © 2002-2004
by James P. Hauser except where otherwise noted.  All rights reserved.

The Blues Connections of

Van Morrison

Early in his career, Van Morrison fronted a little tough-as-nails Irish rhythm and blues group called Them. They were also known as The Angry Young Them; their music was fierce, defiant, full of power. They had a few hits during the early sixties including "Gloria" and "Here Comes the Night". After a few years, Morrison left the group for a solo career in which he went on to record music very different from his days with Them. Today, much of his work is influenced by jazz, soul, gospel, and Celtic music. But he will still let that old R&B edge come through, too, as it does on the recordings he has made over the years with blues great John Lee Hooker. Morrison has appeared on a string of Hooker's albums including Never Get Out of These Blues Alive; Mr. Lucky; Chill Out; Best of Friends; Don't Look Back; and Born in Mississippi, Raised Up in Tennessee.

Below is a list of some of the blues and R&B tunes that Morrison has recorded as a solo act and during his years with Them. They are arranged alphabetically by the name of the blues musician who originally recorded, popularized, and/or composed the song.

Bobby "Blue" Bland: Turn On Your Lovelight

John Lee Hooker: Don't Look Back

Muddy Waters: I Just Want to Make Love to You

Jimmy Reed: Bright Lights, Big City; Baby, What You Want Me to Do?