Valerie June is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose career has flourished through her unique blend of folk, blues, gospel, and soul music. She began her professional journey in Memphis, where she initially performed as part of the duo Bella Sun. After transitioning to a solo artist, June developed her distinctive sound, which she describes as “organic moonshine roots music,” and quickly gained recognition within the Memphis music scene, becoming associated with the Broken String Collective.
In 2013, June released her debut album, “Pushin’ Against a Stone,” which was co-produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. This album marked a significant milestone in her career, receiving critical acclaim and leading to her nomination for a Blues Music Award in the ‘Best New Artist Debut’ category. The album’s singles, including “Workin’ Woman Blues,” showcased her powerful voice and songwriting prowess, further establishing her presence in the music industry.
June’s second album, “The Order of Time,” released in 2017, was hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of the year, highlighting her innovative blend of Americana and electric blues. Her performances at prestigious events, such as South By Southwest and Austin City Limits, have solidified her reputation as a captivating live performer.
In 2021, June released “The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers,” which received widespread acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song. Additionally, her literary work, “Maps for the Modern World,” showcases her artistic versatility, further affirming her status as a multifaceted artist committed to exploring themes of love and consciousness.