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Higgins, a part-time poet and onetime culture
minister, is one of 75 Irish artists and musicians to record
cover versions of the "Brown Eyed Girl" singer's extensive back
catalogue to mark the milestone in a weeks-long online series.
"Rave on Van Morrison. Rave on James Baldwin. Rave on John
Lewis. The celebration will be held, racism defeated," the
79-year-old Higgins added into a verse of the 1983 song 'Rave
On, John Donne.'
The president recorded the rendition from his official residence
in Dublin's Phoenix Park, accompanied by Bill Whelan, composer
of the global hit Irish dancing show "Riverdance."
Irish music stars Bob Geldof, Hozier and Sinead O'Connor were
joined by actor and Morrison's fellow Northern Irishman Liam
Neeson in the performances that local music magazine Hot Press
organised while COVID-19 keeps most music venues closed.
Morrison, who still performs, called on music professionals last
week to join him in seeking a return to playing in front of
full-capacity audiences, criticising what he described as the
"pseudo-science" that has all but shut the live sector.
(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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