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The Lady
Vocalist and award-winning songwriter Valencia Bey is known for her stirring acoustic performances. Her husky and soaring voice and ability to perform across musical genres have earned her nationwide acclaim. Mary Armstrong of Philadelphia’s City Paper said, “You could sell me anything with that voice.” Author, actor and radio personality Steve Harvey simply said when he heard her, “That girl can sing.”
The Music
Her latest offering, “He’ll Make a Way”, is part of her project in progress which will feature inspirational and instrumental tracks with mostly female musicians, because she wanted to have fun with her friends. Encouraged by her male mentors, she also wanted to stretch out and see what the response would be to her six-stringed expression.
He’ll Make a Way, The Players:
Vocals and guitars; Valencia Bey
Bass: Tracey Anita Baker
Drums: Chadawn Parker
Keys: Chris Rob
The History
In 2006, Valencia produced her debut CD, Heart of a Brown Girl, a diverse folk/rock CD that is, according to WXRT-Chicago’s Richard Milne, “a little bit of Tracy Chapman with more of the big wailers like Odetta.”
Most comfortable with her voice and her guitar, she was well received when she performed briefly on the folk music circuit. Heart of a Brown Girl received positive reviews. “I’m Falling” received national airplay and was featured on mainstream radio.
In 2008, Valencia produced her next project, Coffee and Conversation, a blend of genres, including rock, blues, soul and jazz. She received favorable reviews and gained new fans. Valencia has been recognized for her songwriting by the Academy of Gospel Music, VH1’s Song of the Year and the International Narrative Song Competition.
Valencia in the Illinois Entertainer March 2010 Issue
Read the Illinois Entertainer feature on Valencia Bey in the March 2010 issue
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Coffee and Conversation