Valerie Simpson
Valerie Simpson grew up in Bronx, New York and began singing
at a very young age in church. It was at White Rock Baptist
Church that she met Nick.
In the late 1960's, Valerie became the first female producer
to get a contract at Motown Records. She recorded 2 solo albums
on Tamla Records, Exposed (1971) and the self-titled Valerie
Simpson (1972). Both albums are out of print, although there
is a compilation of the two available on the CD Keep It Coming
(1977). It should also be noted that Exposed was also one
of first albums to give the legendary Funk Brothers "musician"
name credit. Valerie was also a guest soloist on Quincy Jones'
Walking In Space & Gula Matari. In addition to her solo
performaces, Val has done background vocals for various artists
such as Steely Dan & Dionne Warwick.
During the 1970's & 1980's, she was one of the most sought
after solo jingle singers. Her voice was heard on commercials
for Peter Paul Almond Joy candy bars, Budweiser and Coke.
In the early 90's Valerie got the acting bug starring in a
TV episode of "Hawk" and then co-starred in a stage
production of "Golden Boy" with actor Obba Babatunde
in Connecticut.
Currently, Val is working on a new solo album not yet titled.
She's also the National Spokeperson for the Minority Initiative
of Speaking of Women's Health and holds a seat on the ASCAP
foundation's Board of Director's.
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