Valerie June facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Valerie June
Valerie June at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles in 2022
Background information
Birth name	Valerie June Hockett
Born	(1982-01-10) January 10, 1982 (age 43) Jackson, Tennessee, United States
Origin	Humboldt, Tennessee, United states
Genres	Americana, alternative, roots rock, folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, dream pop
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist
Instruments	Guitar, banjo, ukulele
Years active	Early 2000s–present
Labels	Fantasy
Associated acts	Bella Sun, The Wandering

Valerie June Hockett (born January 10, 1982), known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She comes from Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States. Her music mixes different styles like folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, and bluegrass. She is signed to Fantasy Records.

Early Life and Music Roots

Valerie June was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on January 10, 1982. She is the second of five children. Growing up in Humboldt, she heard a lot of gospel music at her church. Her father, Emerson Hockett, also introduced her to R&B and soul music. He was a part-time concert promoter. As a teenager, Valerie helped her father by hanging up posters for his concerts.

Starting Her Musical Journey

Early 2000s: Finding Her Sound

In 2000, Valerie June moved to Memphis. She started recording and performing music when she was 19. At first, she was part of a duo called Bella Sun with her husband at the time. After their marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist.

She mixed blues, gospel, and Appalachian folk music. She called her unique style "organic moonshine roots music." Valerie also taught herself to play the guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became part of a group of musicians in Memphis called the Broken String Collective.

In 2009, Valerie was featured on MTV's online show $5 Cover. This show followed the lives of musicians in Memphis. In 2010, she recorded an EP (a short album) called Valerie June and the Tennessee Express. This was a project with the band Old Crow Medicine Show.

2010-2015: Pushin' Against a Stone and Tours

In 2011, Valerie June was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission. She raised money online through Kickstarter.com to record an album. She collected $15,000 in just 60 days! Later that year, she moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

A record producer named Kevin Augunas introduced Valerie to Dan Auerbach from the band The Black Keys. This led to them recording Valerie's album Pushin' Against a Stone in 2011. Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas helped write and produce the album.

Valerie June performing at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2013

In 2012, Valerie worked with producer John Forté on a project called Water Suites. She also sang with Meshell Ndegeocello on a song. She performed in the United Kingdom for the first time in 2012. She played at a festival called Bestival and appeared on the TV show Later... with Jools Holland.

Her music was played a lot on European radio, especially on BBC Radio 6. Many people, including radio hosts, praised her unique sound.

In 2013, Valerie June opened for Jake Bugg on his UK tour. She also performed at the South By Southwest music festival in Texas.

June performing at Byron Bay Bluesfest, 2014

After releasing three albums on her own, her first album with a record label, Pushin' Against a Stone, came out in 2013. The album's title, Pushin' Against a Stone, means a lot to Valerie. She said she felt like she had spent her life "pushing against a stone." This helped her understand the struggles of older artists. The album also features performances by Booker T. Jones. One song, "Workin' Woman Blues," was recorded very quickly in Budapest, Hungary.

In 2014, Valerie June was nominated for a Blues Music Award for her album Pushin' Against a Stone. She also appeared on the TV show Austin City Limits.

2017: The Order of Time

Valerie June's second album, The Order of Time, was released in 2017. Rolling Stone magazine called it one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017. They described her music as a mix of electric blues, old-time folk, country, and gospel. They loved her unique voice.

In 2017, the famous musician Bob Dylan was asked which artists he listened to and respected. Valerie June was one of the artists he mentioned.

2020-2021: The Moon and Stars

In 2020, Valerie June released three songs: Stay, Stay Meditation, and You And I. She worked with producer Jack Splash on these songs. These songs were planned for her next full album.

On January 22, 2021, Valerie announced her new album, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers. She also released a new song from the album called “Call Me A Fool,” which features Carla Thomas. Valerie appeared on several TV shows to promote her album, including CBS This Morning and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers was released on March 12, 2021. Valerie June wrote the songs and co-produced the album with Jack Splash. The album received great reviews from music critics. Pitchfork magazine said it was her "most heavy-hearted" and "far-reaching" album. They praised her for exploring themes of "love and loss."

In November 2021, Valerie June was nominated for a Grammy Award. She was nominated for Best American Roots Song for “Call Me A Fool” with Carla Thomas.

Apple also used Valerie June's song "You And I" in their 2021 Christmas holiday advertisement.

Valerie June's Written Work

Maps for the Modern World

Valerie June also wrote a book called Maps for the Modern World. It was released in April 2021 under her full name, Valerie June Hockett. The book contains poems, artwork, and wise sayings. It talks about ideas like being aware and thoughtful. Memphis Magazine said that the book proves Valerie June "is a poet."

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles

With Bella Sun

• No Crystal Stair (2004), Bella Sun Music