She's originally from Queen City, Texas. She attended Cal State Hayward where she majored in Business Administration and minored in Music. She studied Operatic Anthology (Celebrated Arias), Anthology of Italian Songs (17th and 18th Century), Jazz History and American Art songs. She performed classical works at recitals locally (Down's Memorial Church). She performed in the bay area with such groups as the Alameda College Choir under direction of Bill Bell, The Gospel Jazz Ensemble under direction of Jackie Hairston, The Voices of Legacy (negro spirituals)under direction of Mary Cobb (Oakland Post's Paul Cobb's sister), and most recently QATO. Frequently sat in at the Bird Cage jam sessions that included saxophonist Robert Stewart, Ed Kelly, Pharoah Sanders, Robert Porter, Kahlil Shaheed, etc. She performed with bassist, Herbie Lewis. She has performed at Anna's Jazz Island, Lakeshore Java House, Scottish Rite Temple, The Oasis, The Emerald Garden Restaurant, etc. She has been performing every Friday at the Artist's Cafe since December 2006, as a duo with pianist or guitarist.
She studied voice with the great Phil Moore and then privately with numerous teachers and performers in the Bay Area such as: Jackie Hairston, Norman Levister, Bianca Thornton (Lady Bianca), Ellen Cohen, Mary Cobb-Hill, David Tigner, John Patton (The Color Purple), and Bill Bell.She studied piano with Janice McRae, Ed Kelly and theory with Elvo Diamante.
JAZZ VOCAL WORKSHOPS--
Mark Murphy, Marlena Shaw and Diane Schurr, Kurt Elling and Bobby McFerrin.
DANCE--
Valerie studied tap dance with Eddie Brown, a great tap dancer, as well as at Merritt College and Laney College. She also studied afro-haitian and ballet.
She studied law and she has a Business Marketing degree from the University of Phoenix.
"How would you be influenced if your relatives shared the same birth date as some of the most famous jazz singers and players in the world like Carmen McRae, Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday and Betty Carter. Yes, we thought the same thing." Bob W.
She's the writer and composer of a one act play (work in progress) regarding the lives and music of the above mentioned legendary jazz singers.
