History of Valerie June in Timeline
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.
1 day ago : Valerie June's 'Owls, Omens, and Oracles' Tour: Santa Barbara, HiFi, and Rio Theatre Stages
Valerie June is embarking on her 'Owls, Omens, and Oracles' tour, making stops in Santa Barbara, HiFi, and the Rio Theatre, promising summer warmth and musical enchantment.
January 10, 1982: Valerie June Hockett's Birth
On January 10, 1982, Valerie June Hockett, who would later become a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and author, was born. She is known for blending various genres like psychedelic folk, indie rock, and blues.
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.
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.
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.
2014: Blues Music Award Nomination and Austin City Limits Appearance
In 2014, Valerie June was nominated for a Blues Music Award in the 'Best New Artist Debut' category for Pushin' Against a Stone. She also appeared on Austin City Limits in 2014.
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.
2016: Death of Valerie June's Father
In late 2016, Valerie June's father, Emerson Hockett, who worked in construction and as a part-time concert promoter, passed away. He exposed her to R&B and soul music.
2017: Bob Dylan's Recognition
In 2017, Bob Dylan mentioned Valerie June as one of the artists he listened to and respected, acknowledging her talent and contribution to music.
2017: The Order of Time Recognized by Rolling Stone
In 2017, Rolling Stone listed Valerie June's second album, The Order of Time, as one of the 50 Best Albums of the year, highlighting its unique blend of Americana, blues, folk, and gospel elements.
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.
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.
February 2021: Third Appearance on KEXP
In February 2021, Valerie June made her third appearance on KEXP, which was recorded from her home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This performance supported her upcoming album.
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.
November 2021: Grammy Nomination for "Call Me A Fool"
In November 2021, Valerie June received a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song for her song “Call Me A Fool” featuring Carla Thomas, recognizing her songwriting and performance.
December 14, 2021: "The Moon and Stars" Ranks on Americana Radio Chart
On December 14, 2021, it was reported that Valerie June's album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers ranked No. 3 on the Top 100 Americana Radio Airplay Albums of 2021, as reported by the Americana Radio Airplay Albums Chart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mentioned in this timeline
Bob Dylan is a highly influential American singer-songwriter renowned as...
Willie Nelson is a highly influential American singer guitarist songwriter...
Richard Wayne Penniman known as Little Richard was a highly...
Brandi Carlile is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and producer known...
Christmas is an annual festival celebrated on December th commemorating...
An apple is a widely cultivated round edible fruit from...
Trending
36 minutes ago Democrat Confronts Hegseth, Newsom Halts National Guard ICE Raids: Tense Political Climate
37 minutes ago Minneapolis faces crime concerns, election apathy; Lawmakers shot, Brooklyn Park manhunt ongoing.
37 minutes ago Good Morning America Bids Farewell to Times Square Studio After 26 Years.
37 minutes ago Nassar Victims' Attorney Criticizes Gymnastics' Trans Policy; Biles, Gaines Feud; Schneider Praises Gaines.
2 hours ago Canadian GP: Leclerc crashes as Russell pushes Mercedes in FP2, McLaren Verstappen fight.
2 hours ago Brooklyn Center police shot man wielding chainsaw; BCA investigating incident.
Popular
The Boeing Dreamliner is an American wide-body airliner developed by...
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who gained international...
Thomas Douglas Homan is an American law enforcement officer and...
Cristiano Ronaldo often called CR is a Portuguese professional footballer...
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving...
Playboi Carti born Jordan Terrell Carter is an American rapper...