Bio Photo by David A. Geary "You could sell me anything with that voice." - Mary Armstrong, Philadelphia City Paper …”...a little bit of Tracy Chapman, but more of the big wailers like Odetta.” - Richard Milne, WXRT Radio, Chicago Moving and positive are words often used to describe the music of Chicago singer-songwriter Valencia Bey. A true child of her generation, her music is a an eclectic mix of folk, rock and soul. Valencia's debut project, 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, her acoustic performances have been called intimate and inspirational. She performed briefly on the folk music circuit, sharing her music with appreciative audiences across the U.S., receiving favorable reviews and gaining new fans. Her latest project, Coffee and Conversation, is a blend of genres – rock, blues, soul and jazz – and its themes of sunshine and loss, love and pain appeal to a broad audience. The project is currently a CD Baby recommendation in the Rock: Adult Contemporary music category. 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. Heart of a Brown Girl received positive reviews. “I’m Falling” received national airplay and was featured on WXRT – Chicago. Valencia has appeared in the major motion pictures “Quebec” and “The Express”, as well as several independent films. She has also graced the stage, in the role of Lutiebelle in “Purlie Victorious”. She also produced the Positively Acoustic songwriting series, which featured songwriters across the globe in an intimate environment where they shared music with positive themes as well as the stories behind their songs. Visit these sites to learn more about Valencia's work: Brown Girl Arts Brown Girl Music Positively Acoustic! FAQs Q. What kind of music do you play? A. Jazz, folk, rock, soul...and anything else I feel like playing and singing. Q. How old are you? A. I remember singing "867-5309" and "777-9311" on the same beautiful spring day...a few years ago. Q. Who are your influences? A. I am the world's biggest Tracy Chapman fan. I also love Oleta Adams and the late, great Phyllis Hyman. Q. Is that your real hair? A. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.