Recording artist VALERIE GHENT is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, keyboard phenomenon from New York City. An outstanding live performer, Valerie weaves together blues, soul and jazz into a breathtaking tapestry of “soul-stirring, uplifting songs full of vitality and joy.” With a stunning, evocative 3 1/2 octave vocal range and piano chops to match, Valerie treats listeners to soulful, romantic, highly melodic music rendered with passion, undeniable skill and a mighty heart.

Longtime keyboardist/vocalist with music legends Ashford & Simpson, Valerie has worked with music luminaries and icons including Nina Simone, Dr. Maya Angelou, Billy Preston, Sir Cliff Richard, Debbie Harry (Blondie), Joe Bowie’s Defunkt, Roberta Flack among many others. As solo artist Valerie has released five albums of original songs including Day to Day Dream which launched her #1 hit song, Love Enough for a Lifetime. Her album Velours, named Soul Tracks Top 50 albums of 2016, launched the hit New York City Streets, hailed by critics as a “New Anthem for NYC”. Valerie tours and records in France several times each year, where her electrifying single Feelin Alright hit #1 on Jazz Radio France. Her popularity in Europe resulted in the release of The French Sessions, her first album on a French label. Valerie’s recent collaborations include duets with French-Vietnamese dan tranh master Tri Nguyen and Italian rap artist The Bumo Sugo.

Dedicated to building community through music, Valerie created and runs Songwriter’s Beat – fostering the creation of hundreds of new songs and presenting over 350 singer-songwriters to new audiences – and co-founded nonprofit Feel the Music!, bringing music to hundreds of children, families and seniors impacted by trauma, illness and loss. Valerie has received numerous grants and awards, including American Music Center, The ASCAP Foundation and the Betances Award for Service to the Arts. A longtime member of ASCAP, Valerie is a voting member of The Recording Academy and member of both the Producers & Engineers wing and Songwriters wing of the Academy, and a member of SACEM (France).

Muzique Magazine: Valerie Ghent & Natasha Ghent Captivate on The Angel

Celebmix: Valerie Ghent Gets Down on Get Funkay

Soul Bag: Velours – Valerie Ghent Delivers a Gem

First Listen: Valerie Ghent Delivers a Love Divine

Valerie Ghent has us Feelin’ Alright with New Single

European Reviews:

Gina Loves Jazz (Germany)

Keys & Chords (Netherlands)

Music Zoom (Italy)

Soul Bag (France) Live Review Valerie Ghent La Dame de Canton, Paris

“Valerie’s dazzling soprano…simultaneously delicate, gracious, and allusive, “The Angel” is a superb work of art.” – Muzique Magazine

“Ghent, herself, is a vocal phenomenon…she has the professionalism and rippling, effervescent energy of a top pop/rock star.” – NY Cabaret Today

“Ghent sings from the guts. Her contralto rises with the smooth momentum of something out of NASA.” – Woman About Town

“Valerie Ghent – a “kick butt” artist… That kind of quality never really goes out of style.” – Soul Tracks

“‘New York City Streets’ Luther meets Ashford & Simpson with a driving piano lead, bringing back those inimitable Chic and Luther Vandross moments in the super-slick hook, supported by a cool horn section. A real gem!” – Gina Loves Jazz (Velours)

“New York City Streets… a new anthem for NYC” – YN

“Ghent’s vocals are timeless” – Neufutur

“Valerie Ghent, la Dame de New York – Il est rare de trouver une voix aussi singulière et une maîtrise du rythme aussi pertinente.”- La Marseillaise

“It’s not simply Valerie Ghent’s exploration of genres that shows her versatility – it’s her emotionality, vast range & vocal prowess, along with the backing of top musicians that make this a solid album with wide appeal!” – Wouter Kellerman (Velours)

Soul Bag Interview: Valerie Ghent – Inspired Connections / Connexions Inspirées

Westbeth Profiles in Art: Valerie Ghent, Musician, Singer-songwriter, Producer

Electro Wow: Questions and Answers with Valerie Ghent

Penns Eye View: Valerie Ghent

Soul Bag: In the Studio with Nina Simone and Ashford & Simpson