Van Morrison to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at Jazz FM Awards

Van Morrison is set to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Jazz FM Awards, set to take place in London's KOKO on April 16.

Presented in collaboration with PPL and PRS for Music, the award will recognise Van Morrison's contribution to music across more than six decades.

The singer will be honoured during the ceremony, hosted by broadcaster, comedian, and actor Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown). Featuring leading artists from across the worlds of jazz, soul, and blues, the event will celebrate the genre's heritage and evolution.

"Jazz and blues have always been at the heart of the music I love and the music I make. I’ve been fortunate to spend my life doing what I believe in, and it’s an honour to receive this recognition from Jazz FM," said Van Morrison.

The Jazz FM Lifetime Achievement Award honours artists whose careers have made a lasting impact on the world of jazz and its wider musical landscape. Presented to musicians whose work has helped shape the evolution of the genre, the award recognises those whose "influence extends far beyond the stage, inspiring generations of artists and audiences around the world," according to the award's description.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Van Morrison has built a catalogue of recordings that blend jazz, soul, blues, and folk. Over the course of his career, he has released over 40 studio albums, earning him multiple Grammy Awards.

Previous recipients of the Jazz FM Lifetime Achievement award include Tony Bennett (2021), Herbie Hancock (2020), Dame Cleo Laine (2018), Pat Metheny (2018), Quincy Jones (2016), and Ahmad Jamal (2013).

"Van Morrison's music occupies a unique space where jazz, soul, blues, and poetry meet," said Nick Pitts, Content Director of Jazz FM and Magic Classical.

"His body of work has influenced countless artists and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. It is a privilege for the Jazz FM Awards to honour such a singular and enduring talent with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award."

This year’s Jazz FM Award nominees also include jazz quintet Ezra Collective, singer-songwriter Raye, soul and gospel icon Mavis Staples, multi-award-winning vocalist Samara Joy, and more.

Elsewhere, Van Morrison was among the acts who performed at Hot Press' History in the Making 50th anniversary concert in the 3Arena last month. In April, he will perform two exclusive 'lunch and show' concerts at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. Read more here.

See the full list of Jazz FM Awards nominees below:

Breakthrough Act of the Year:

Donovan Haffner

Earth-o-Naut

Poppy Daniels

International Jazz Act of the Year:

Linda May Han Oh

Nate Smith

Samara Joy

Blues Act of the Year:

Alice Armstrong

Gary Clark Jr.

Mavis Staples

Soul Act of the Year:

Omar

RAYE

Young Gun Silver Fox

Instrumentalist of the Year:

Joe Webb

Laura Jurd

Shabaka

Vocalist of the Year:

Brigitte Beraha

Marvin Muoneké

Yazmin Lacey

The Innovation Award:

Emma-Jean Thackray

Ezra Collective

Theon Cross

The Collaboration Award:

Balimaya Project meets Discos Pacifico All-Stars - Calima

Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orkest - SOMNI

The Jazz Social and EFG London Jazz Festival

Album of the Year – PUBLIC VOTE:

Ambrose Akinmusire - honey from a winter stone

Cécile McLorin Salvant – Oh Snap

Emma-Jean Thackray - Weirdo

Fergus McCreadie - The Shieling

Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell – We Insist 2025!

Tyreek McDole - Open Up Your Senses

UK Jazz Act of the Year – PUBLIC VOTE:

Emma Rawicz

Kokoroko

Tom Skinner