NYC Songwriters | Jan/Feb 2002)

From superstar concerts held at Madison Square Garden to local pub benefits, New York City’s musicians and songwriters have been working tirelessly in the months since the terrorist attacks to sing and write songs that have revived spirits and morale, offered comfort and brought financial assistance as well, to those directly affected by those events.

Valerie Ghent, a keyboardist/singer/songwriter, who, when she’s not out on the road with Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”), has been making runs almost every night to Ground Zero with needed supplies for firemen, police and rescue workers. She then sends out lengthy emails describing her experiences with lists of supplies that have been received, dispersed or are still needed (contact wtcgroundzerorelief.org). A resident of downtown Manhattan’s West Side, Valerie is invited regularly to perform her song, “We’ll Carry On” at concerts and neighborhood vigils.