The Sound Engineer Who Swore They Heard Van Humming Prayers Between Takes

April 1, 2025

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the recording studio, I settled into my chair, ready to capture the magic of one of the greatest artists of our time, Van Morrison. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Van was more than just a musician; he was a poet whose words resonated with millions. As a sound engineer, my job was to ensure that every note and every word came through perfectly. Little did I know that this session would become one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

The day started like any other, with Van arriving a bit late, his presence filling the room with creativity. As he moved to the mic, I plugged in the equipment and adjusted the levels, listening closely. But something strange began to happen between takes. While I fiddled with the dials and listened to the playback, I could hear a soft, melodic humming drifting across the studio. At first, I thought it was my imagination, or maybe the air conditioning playing tricks on my ears. But as the session progressed, there was no denying it—Van was humming. The tunes he chose felt like gentle prayers, a reflection of the struggles and hopes that filled his heart.

Curiosity got the better of me, and during a break, I asked Van about the humming. He looked up, a warm smile stretching across his face, and said, “Music has always been a way for me to connect to something greater. Sometimes, when the world gets heavy, I find solace in these little melodies.” His words struck a chord deep within me. Here was a man, renowned for his music, finding peace and strength through humming simple tunes. It reminded me that even the most successful people face challenges, and it is their passion that keeps them going.

Over the months that followed this recording session, I couldn’t help but carry Van’s spirit with me. He churned out hit after hit, his songs resonating with themes of love, loss, and hope. The hum I had heard became a melody in my heart, reminding me that everyone, even the legends, has their battles. Van’s resilience in sharing his art inspired countless fans. He’d transformed personal struggles into beautiful music, offering solace and encouragement to others navigating their own turbulent times.

Years later, as I look back on that day in the studio, I realize that the most significant moments aren’t always the loudest or grandest. Sometimes, it’s the quietest hum, a small prayer in the midst of chaos, that speaks the loudest. Van Morrison taught me about the power of vulnerability in creativity, how sharing one’s raw emotions can connect people in ways words alone cannot. That day, I learned that music is more than just sound; it’s a vehicle of resilience, hope, and humanity.

Now, whenever I walk into a studio, I carry Van’s humming with me, a reminder to embrace the beauty in the silence and the struggle. It fuels my passion for music and inspires me to help other artists find their voice. The lessons I learned from that session have shaped my career, and I often share Van’s story, encouraging others to embrace their journeys, no matter how difficult. After all, it’s in the softest melodies where we often find the strongest strength.