Bio/Press

“5 out of 5 stars. If Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and Regina Spektor combined forces, you would have Bobby Jo Valentine.” -Alexa Spieler, A-List Music

San Francisco based singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine has received numerous recognitions for his work, including designation of Songwriter ofthe Year by the West Coast Songwriter’s Association, radio appearances on KGO, KSVY and KRSH, and television spots including ABC’s The Morning Blend, Sac and Company, and NBC’s Outlook Video. Although his albums have garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, more noteworthy are the responses to his honest, raw, resonating live performances. Dubbed “the nicest guy ever to pick up an acoustic guitar” by LA Weekly,
his unique brand of hopeful folk/pop has also recently been featured in a commercial for the 2013 Ford Fusion.

Valentine’s lyrics explore the tense high wire between light and dark, but doesn’t always wrap things up with a tidy answer. The
singer’s sense of realism, charm and infectious melodies and vocals have earned the praises of industry vets like Brian Lucey, mastering engineer for The Shin and The Black Keys, who said, “Bobby writes with a sweetness and honesty seldom heard in acoustic pop music.” Just as importantly, those same attributes have earned Bobby a large and ever-expanding West Coast fan base in the short time he has been performing.

His new album “Home” attacks matters of the heart with thoughtful stories, catchy choruses, and a fantastic team of musicians behind him. Calvin Turnbull is at the producing helm, whohas worked with Sheryl Crow, Five for Fighting, and other greats; David Hayes, known best for his work with Van Morrison for 40 years, brings his timeless sound to the bass tracks; and Dave Tweedie, one of the biggest drummers in the pop industry today, adds melodic, catchy rhythms. Other instruments – accordions, steel guitar, piano, organ – and several guest performers help create clear, honest environments for his stories to be told. All these things come together to echo Bobby’s surprising lyrical depth for a 27-year old growing up on the coasts of Northern California.

Bursting with energy and realistic optimism and filled with uplifting, honest messages about hope and life’s struggles, Bobby continues to gather new listeners with every show. “Armed with just a guitar and ukulele, Bobby aims straight for the heart.” -Bruce Kaplan, Folk Unlimited

Bobby lives north of San Francisco with his partner, and is on tour around the nation 10-15 days every month, developing a strong, loyal following with warm, inviting melodies and lyrics filled with depth and hope.

Additional Press

Winner, 2013 Rising Star Contest (Judges include CAA Agent Brad Bissel, Rick Young of Warner Music, and Radio Industry Executives)

Appearance in a new 2013 Ford Fusion commercial

Winner, Songwriter of the Year
West Coast Songwriter’s Association

“Witty wordplay, clever melodies…the nicest guy to ever pick up an acoustic guitar.”
LA WEEKLY

“Bobby Jo Valentine’s vocals express raw, tender emotions and his lyrics are refreshingly original. His audience will be charmed with “Be Mine” and touched deeply with “Fly,” running the gamete of emotions that make for an entertaining and heartfelt journey.”
Jan White, West Coast Songwriter’s Association

“It’s really lovely.”
Judah Dadone, Lead singer, Freelance Whales 

“5 out of 5 stars. Bobby writes with a sweetness and honesty seldom heard in acoustic pop music.”
Brian Lucey, (The Black Keys, The Shins, Sigur Ros)

“If Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Regina Spektor were to combine forces, you would have Bobby Jo Valentine.  Soulful and uplifting, soothing and calming, Valentine’s music is the perfect blend of indie and modern pop/rock. Often times it is quite difficult to switch from genre to genre or to switch styles and tones, but Bobby Jo Valentine does so with ease.  His voice is passionate and beautiful, using his soothing ways to demonstrate his musicality and versatility.  His musicality separates himself from any other artist out there presently, and A Place To Belong is the proof.”
Alexa Spieler, A-List Music
Rating:  5 stars (out of 5)

Press Photos – click to enlarge