Valerie June: The Ethereal Voice of Modern Folk and Roots
Valerie June is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her distinctive blend of folk, blues, gospel, and Appalachian soul. Hailing from Tennessee, she achieved significant critical and commercial success with her 2021 album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, which debuted at number 4 on Billboard's Top Current Album Sales chart.
Early career
Born in 1982 in Jackson, Tennessee, Valerie June Hockett began her musical journey deeply rooted in the gospel and country sounds of the American South. Her first independent release was the self-reported EP The Way of the Weeping Willow in 2006, followed by the full-length album Mountain of Rose Quartz in 2008, which she sold at local gigs.
Her early work caught the attention of other musicians, leading to a support slot for the band Old Crow Medicine Show. This exposure was pivotal, setting the stage for her first major-label venture.
Breakthrough
Valerie June's breakthrough arrived in 2013 with her acclaimed album Pushin' Against a Stone. Co-produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and released on the label Sunday Best Recordings in partnership with Concord Music Group, the album introduced her unique "organic moonshine roots music" to a global audience.
The album charted in several countries and earned her a wider fanbase, establishing her as a formidable new voice in the contemporary folk and roots scene. This success was built upon years of independent hustle and a truly singular artistic vision.
Key tracks
Workin' Woman Blues — This driving, banjo-led anthem from her breakthrough album became an immediate signature song, encapsulating her gritty, hopeful narrative style.
Astral Plane — A dreamy, psychedelic-tinged track from The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers that showcases her evolution into more atmospheric production while retaining her roots.
Call Me A Fool featuring Carla Thomas — This stunning duet with the Memphis soul legend bridged generations and highlighted June's deep reverence for musical history.
Somebody to Love — A raw, early recording that perfectly demonstrates the haunting, timeless quality of her voice and sparse instrumental arrangements.
Later career and collaborations
Following her breakthrough, Valerie June continued to refine her sound. Her 2017 album The Order of Time received widespread critical praise for its poetic lyrics and ethereal arrangements. She has collaborated with a diverse array of artists including Norah Jones, the late John Prine, and guitarist Matt Sweeney.
Her 2021 album, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, marked a creative high point, featuring collaborations with singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello and producer Jack Splash. This album solidified her position as an artist who consistently pushes the boundaries of the folk genre while honoring its traditions.
Valerie June's music resonates with fans of artists like Norah Jones for its blend of gentle melodies and sophisticated songcraft. The raw, spiritual quality of her work finds kinship with Rhiannon Giddens, another artist deeply invested in American roots music. Listeners who appreciate the genre-blending storytelling of Adia Victoria will connect with June's modern take on blues traditions.
The music of Valerie June is a staple on independent music radio stations and folk-focused FM channels that champion authentic singer-songwriters. Her tracks regularly appear in rotation on stations dedicated to Americana, roots rock, and contemporary folk programming, where her unique sound finds an eager audience.
You can hear the captivating music of Valerie June on various radio stations featured across our network. Explore and listen to her distinctive blend of folk, soul, and blues through the curated radio stations available on onairium.com.
