Van Morrison birthday songs: Andrea Corr, Gary Lightbody, Hozier, Michael D Higgins record cover versions

Created by Irish music magazine Hot Press, the series of cover songs entitled ‘Rave On, Van Morrison’ which are being broadcast on YouTube, kicks off with Corr singing ‘Moondance’.

Also included in the star-studded line-up for the first two weeks are Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol (Into The Mystic), Una Healy of The Saturdays (Reminds Me Of You) and Imelda May (Wild Night).

A new performance will be posted on www.youtube.com/hotpressmagazine every night at 7pm.

Rave On, Van Morrison is timed to coincide with the 75th birthday of Van Morrison, who scored his first hit record as a member of Them, back in 1964.

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said: “It really has been a joy, seeing the videos arrive in, and to sense the extraordinary inspiration which Van Morrison has provided to so many Irish artists. “In so many ways, he has shown Irish singers, songwriters and performers that the only creative limits are to do with your imagination.

“He has forged a musical language all of his own and he has written songs that are immortal and will still be sung and played in a hundred years time.”

Also among those taking part in this unique event are the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, who will perform ‘Rave On, John Donne’ as well as Hozier, Glen Hansard and Damien Dempsey.