Bio
Val B. King, the granddaughter of blues legend B.B. King, has a clear, smooth sound that is influenced by gospel music, blues, jazz, neo-soul, soul and R&B. Her 2016 debut album, “Life, Love, Music,” was inspired by her late grandfather. The album featured “The Legacy Goes On,” with heartfelt lyrics that she wrote “to honor all he did for me, his family and the world,” said Val in a Rolling Stone magazine article, which praised this premiere work of her musical career.
With the talented artist’s release of her single, “So Many Ways Than One,” she showcased her unique sound. It was publicly introduced on Cleveland’s 107.3 (The Wave WNWV). Val is currently working on her new album. It's the result of a dynamic collaboration with international jazz/soul singer, songwriter, and pianist Frank McComb.
Her latest single "Ooh You," features the incomparable Najee on flute and is produced by Frank McComb. The soothing sound of Val's vocals and Najee's flute mixes very well with the soulfulness of Frank's backing vocals. It really takes you on a smooth jazz ride.
Raised in Mansfield, Ohio, Val’s love for music started with family. Her father, who sang in church and with gospel groups, would often take her to see her grandfather in concert. She was captivated while watching him on stage and first sang for him during a family reunion at the age of 12. After this courageous performance, B.B. King lovingly referred to her as “his star” – encouragement which inspired Val to pursue a career in music.
She gained experience in high school by accepting frequent invitations to sing “The National Anthem” at sporting events and performing choir concert solos. As a student attending Bowling Green State University she sang in the university’s gospel choir. After graduation, Val joined the accomplished gospel group, Anointed One, where she reveled in the opportunity to sing with a group she looked up to as a teenager. Later, she partnered with producer Robert W. “JoJo” Hill, which further expanded her career.
In 2015, Val launched her first professional music project. Her grandfather was proud to see her following in his footsteps. Sadly, B.B. King died unexpectedly just one month after she began working in the studio. She cherishes their time together, including her visit the day before he passed away. Although the celebrated blues icon’s death was a great loss to her family and the world, Val knows that he wanted her to stay the course toward her dream of being a successful artist.
Well-respected among her peers, Val has shared the stage with several notable artists, including the classic, R&B group SWITCH, Emmy-nominated pianist Kofi Boakye and Frank McComb.
Val’s emerging career has received media coverage in Rolling Stone, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, as well as several Northeastern Ohio radio and streaming stations, such as The Majic Morning Show on Majic 105.7 (WMJI), 107.3 The Wave, The Gary Rivers Show on 1480 WHBC, The Jeff Brown Show and the Todd Allyn Show (both on FCB Radio Network), among others.
To learn more about Val B. King’s music and career connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.