Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Valerie June

How Valerie June built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Valerie June Hockett is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and author known for her unique blend of psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian, bluegrass, country soul, symphonic pop, and blues. Her music is characterized by a combination of southern roots and cosmopolitan influences, creating a distinct sonic universe. She is Grammy-nominated and is currently signed to Concord Music Group worldwide.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2000: Relocation to Memphis and Career Beginnings

In 2000, Valerie June relocated to Memphis and began her music career at age 19 in the duo Bella Sun. She later became a solo artist, blending blues, gospel, and Appalachian folk music. She also learned guitar, banjo and lap-steel guitar.

2009: Featured on MTV's $5 Cover

In 2009, Valerie June was featured on MTV's online series $5 Cover, which documented the lives of Memphis musicians trying to make a living.

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2010: Collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show

In 2010, Valerie June recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show.

July 2011: Recording Pushin' Against a Stone

In July 2011, Valerie June recorded her album Pushin' Against a Stone, co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas, marking a significant step in her career.

2012: Collaborations and UK Debut

In 2012, Valerie June collaborated with John Forté on "Give Me Water" for Water Suites and with Meshell Ndegeocello on "Be My Husband". She also contributed to The Wandering's album Go on Now, You Can't Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. June made her UK debut at Bestival and on Later... with Jools Holland in 2012.

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February 2013: Supporting Jake Bugg on Tour

In February 2013, Valerie June supported Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour, furthering her exposure to a broader audience.

March 2013: South By Southwest Performances

In March 2013, Valerie June performed at South By Southwest, first on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet and again on March 16 as part of The Revival Tour.

May 6, 2013: Release of Pushin' Against a Stone in the UK and Europe

On May 6, 2013, Valerie June's debut album as a signed artist, Pushin' Against a Stone, was released in the UK and Europe through Sunday Best Recordings.

August 2013: Release of Pushin' Against a Stone in the US

In August 2013, Valerie June's debut album Pushin' Against a Stone was released in the US through Concord Music Group. The album included songs co-written with Dan Auerbach.

2013: Opened for The Rolling Stones at BST Hyde Park

In 2013, Valerie June opened for The Rolling Stones at BST Hyde Park in London, marking a significant performance in her career.

2016: Writing "High Note" for Mavis Staples

In 2016, Valerie June wrote "High Note" for Mavis Staples' album Livin’ on a High Note, showcasing her songwriting contributions.

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2017: Writing "Train Fare" for the Blind Boys of Alabama

In 2017, Valerie June wrote "Train Fare," featured on the Blind Boys of Alabama's album Almost Home, further highlighting her songwriting abilities.

2018: Performance with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

In 2018, Valerie June performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, marking a unique collaboration in her career.

2019: Performance with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

In 2019, Valerie June performed with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in Cork City, Ireland, expanding her orchestral performance experiences.

2020: Release of Three-Track Digital Release

In 2020, Valerie June released a three-track digital release, Stay / Stay Meditation / You And I, which she co-produced with Jack Splash. These songs were intended to be included on her next studio album.

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January 11, 2021: Americana Radio Airplay Albums Chart tracking start date

Starting January 11, 2021, the Americana Radio Airplay Albums Chart began tracking for the year, eventually leading to The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers ranking highly.

January 22, 2021: Announcement of "The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers"

On January 22, 2021, Valerie June announced her album, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, accompanied by the release of the single “Call Me A Fool” featuring Carla Thomas, with a music video on YouTube.

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March 12, 2021: Release of "The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers"

On March 12, 2021, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, co-produced by Jack Splash and written by Valerie June, was released through Fantasy Records and received critical acclaim. The album explores themes of love and loss.

April 2021: Release of "Maps for the Modern World"

In April 2021, Valerie June Hockett released her book, Maps for the Modern World (Andrews McMeel), featuring poems, artwork, and homilies exploring themes like consciousness and mindfulness. Memphis Magazine recognized her as a poet following this release.

Maps for the Modern World

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2022: Publication of "Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June’s Sweet Little Baby Banjolele"

In 2022, Valerie June published the children's book Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June’s Sweet Little Baby Banjolele through Third Man Books, inspired by her song "Somebody to Love" and her experiences with her banjolele.

Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjolele

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2023: Festival and Stage Performances

From 2017 to 2023, Valerie June was featured in major festivals and shared the stage with artists such as Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Jack Johnson, Brandi Carlile, Sturgill Simpson, Gary Clark Jr., and John Prine, expanding her reach and recognition.

2023: Contribution to "Little Richard: I Am Everything"

In 2023, Valerie June contributed a rendition of "Strange Things Happening Every Day" to the documentary "Little Richard: I Am Everything," which was featured on the film's official soundtrack.

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2023: Release of "Light Beams: A Workbook for Being Your Badass Self"

In 2023, Valerie June released Light Beams: A Workbook for Being Your Badass Self through Andrews McMeel. This interactive journal features essays, poetry, and writing prompts aimed at fostering self-reflection, creativity, and personal growth.

Light Beams: A Workbook for Being Your Badass Self

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2023: Touring and Festival Performances

In 2023, Valerie June toured with Dave Matthews at The Gorge Amphitheater and performed at the Newport Folk Festival alongside Floyd from The Muppets, showcasing her versatility.

June 2024: Appearance on Celebrity Family Feud and The Kelly Clarkson Show

In June 2024, Valerie June appeared on Celebrity Family Feud alongside The War and Treaty and Earth, Wind & Fire. Also in June 2024, she was a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, discussing her music and latest projects.

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June 2024: Release of "Friendship" featuring Carla Thomas

In June 2024, Valerie June tapped Carla Thomas for the song "Friendship," which honors the Stax Music Academy legacy and celebrates Mavis Staples' 85th birthday.

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2024: Tour Guest Performance

In 2024, Valerie June was a guest performer on Tyler Childers' tour and performed with Trevor Hall at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, continuing to expand her performance experiences.