Widely considered one of the greatest female singers to have emerged from Ireland in living memory, Mary Coughlan has crafted a unique, soulful sound that pulls from folk, blues and jazz throughout the 30 years of her extraordinary career. Her new album, Life Stories, is out in September.

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"When I moved to London in the ‘70s, I knew Van Morrison lived in Ladbroke Grove. We walked down there in hope of seeing him every Saturday!

"Fast forward to 1987, and I was singing at Cork Jazz Festival. He asked if I would like a cup of coffee afterwards! I was speechless for once…"

Read more in the new Van Morrison Special Issue of Hot Press, and watch Mary Coughlan perform 'Warm Love' below:

See the action-packed programme for Van's Big Day on Monday, August 31, below:

• President Michael D. Higgins with Bill Whelan – ‘Rave On, John Donne’ (7pm)
• Bob Geldof – ‘I'm Tired Joey Boy’ (7.15pm)
• Moya Brennan (Clannad) – ‘The Beauty Of The Days Gone By’ (7.30pm)
• Paul Casey & Friends feat. Terri Hooley – ‘In The Days Before Rock ’n’ Roll’ (7.45pm)
• Brian Kennedy – ‘Days Like This’ (8pm)
• Mary Coughlan – ‘Warm Love’ (8.15pm)
• John Spillane – ‘Cleaning Windows’ (8.30pm)
• Altan – ‘Whenever God Shines His Light’ (8.45pm)
• Malaki – ‘Someone Like You’ (9pm)
• Glen Hansard – ‘Astral Weeks’ (9.15pm)
• Hozier – ‘Caravan’ (9.30pm)

Each 'Rave On, Van Morrison' performance premieres every night on the Hot Press YouTube channel. To make sure you don't miss out on any of our upcoming videos, subscribe to our YouTube here!

Hot Press is also publishing a Van Morrison Special Issue, to coincide with ‘Rave On, Van Morrison’, featuring written contributions from the legendary likes of Hozier, Sinéad O’Connor, Gary Lightbody, Damien Rice, Imelda May and Damien Rice, as well as special homages from international artists Brandon Flowers, Steve Van Zandt and Matt Berninger. In addition, you'll find the highlights of our recent exclusive interview with Van – who discusses the Belfast he grew up in, ‘Gloria’, Jim Morrison, Lenny Bruce, the real inspiration for Astral Weeks and his extraordinary work as a songwriter.

This historic publication is a must-have for Van Morrison fans all over the world, and is available to order now.