top of page

Val Gay

MUSIC

Val Gay 3.jpg

Val Gay

Valerie V. Gay is recording/performing artist and thought leader. While a classically trained soprano, Val is an active performer (multi-instrumentalist and singer) across several genres, having performed in several small and large concert halls, including solo performances from churches across the country to Carnegie Hall. In 2021, Val began releasing singles from her first solo recording project “Re-Purposed + Re-Positioned” which is comprised of original music she’s written across a few musical genres.

Music.

MUSIC
BIO
MUSIC

Origin: Philadelphia

Genre: Gospel, Pop, R&B, Soul, Country, Singer/Songwriter

Years Active: 2008 - Present

Label: Ithan and Lloyd

Official Websites: valgay.com

SHORT BIO

 

Val Gay is a recording/performing artist and thought leader. While a classically trained soprano, Val is an active performer (multi-instrumentalist and singer) across several genres, having performed in several small and large concert halls, including solo performances from churches across the country to Carnegie Hall. In 2021, Val began releasing singles from her first solo recording project “Re-Purposed + Re-Positioned” which is comprised of original music she’s written across a few musical genres. In 2019, Val received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from St. Joseph’s University and has earned a Professional Studies Certificate and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the University of the Arts and completed degree course work at Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.

Videos.

"The power of "Re" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT
01:10

"The power of "Re" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT

I checked the dictionary for the spelling of a word I wanted to use in something that I was writing (recapitulate) and was sucked into the vortex of the dictionary, specifically around something that we all use everyday;”Re” - the little prefix that we all learned in 3rd or 4th grade that means again or anew and back and backwards. So when you put re in front of a word, you actually change the meaning of that word. And that got me thinking: what in my life that I could put re in front of to change the meaning of the word? And so I encourage you to look at your life and think about those areas that you could put re in front of and change or get a desired outcome. For me, I have claimed reVal: it means that I have come back fully to myself and I am living who I am, anew. I also learned that it is a place in Germany. Auf wiedersehen! Have a great day! Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"Who's Driving Your Car" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT
01:07

"Who's Driving Your Car" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT

I’m currently experiencing a situation that is out of my control, and I have a running joke with a friend that being in this situation is like riding in a car and I don’t know the destination and I’m not driving. That got me to thinking about myself as a car and my thoughts and emotions as passengers and wondering, Who’s Driving My Car? On any given day I have a whole set of potential passengers, #Faith and #Fear, #Excitement and #Nervousness, #Happiness and #Sadness and #ANGER… and so many more emotions… Each day, I decide to give FAITH the keys to my emotional car, because she’s steady, responsible, and well… Faithful to get me from one moment to the next. I encourage you to take inventory of who is in your car and who is going to drive… For me, I’ve decided that Fear can be in the car, but she’s getting in the trunk! Have a great day! Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the https://linktr.ee/valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"Untapped potential" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT
01:14

"Untapped potential" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT

I recently turned a switch on a lamp and was disappointed when the light bulb didn’t come on. So I went to my supply of extra bulbs and replaced the defective bulb, but the lamp still didn’t light. I immediately ran through all of the scenarios I’d need to get light into the room, including getting a lamp from another room and ordering a lamp online. So when I picked up the lamp to replace it with another, I realized that it was unplugged... the light bulbs worked all along, but the lamp couldn’t properly function without its power source! That got me to thinking... where else in my life am I unplugged from my Power Source? I encourage you to take inventory of your Life and see where you may have some untapped potential that can soar if you just plug in. For me, my Power Source is my Faith. What’s yours? Have a great day. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"FIND YOU LOCK" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT
00:59

"FIND YOU LOCK" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT

Each of us have been given a set of unique gifts and talents that act like keys to a lock. Your lock may be a problem that only you can solve. Or your lock may be sitting on a gateway that opens to an opportunity that shares with the rest of us something that we’ve never seen or experienced before. I encourage you to look around and find your locks that your unique set of gifts and talents can open.  Don’t be discouraged if you see a lock and you think, “Ooh! I can be that key!” and you try to insert yourself, but the lock doesn’t open. It’s OK; keep searching for your lock. You will eventually find it. You will find where you fit. Have a great day! Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS - OPO" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT
00:58

"OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS - OPO" | VAL'S ENCOURAGEMENT

Do you remember the song, “You down with OPP? Yeah you know me”? That song has been stuck in my mind but with different lyrics: You down with OPO? Yeah you know me! But the ring is not quite the same, and for good reason. I define OPO as Other People’s Opinions, and that got me to thinking: When I’m walking in my Purpose, do I care what other people think of me?… No… I don’t care. But I realize that I can still care deeply for the people, so I encourage you today to take inventory of your life to see if there’s anyone whose opinions of you may be blocking or stopping you from reaching your Purpose. Please CARE DEEPLY for your people, just not their opinions… Have a great day!  Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
Val Gay Soprano
Er Ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen Clara Schumann | Val Gay
02:30

Er Ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen Clara Schumann | Val Gay

Clara Schumann (1819-1896), composer Valerie V. Gay, Soprano Iris BU, Piano TRANSLATION He came in storm and rain, my anxious heart beat against his. how could I have known, that his path should unite itself with mine? He came in storm and rain, he boldly stole my heart. Did he steal mine? Did I steal his? Both came together. He came in storm and rain, Now has come the blessing of spring. My love travels abroad, I watch with cheer, for he remains mine, on any road. =============================== Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen (poet) Friedrich Rückert (1788-1866) Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen, ihm schlug beklommen mein Herz entgegen. Wie konnt' ich ahnen, daß seine Bahnen sich einen sollten meinen Wegen. Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen, er hat genommen mein Herz verwegen. Nahm er das meine? Nahm ich das seine? Die beiden kamen sich entgegen. Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen, Nun ist gekommen des Frühlings Segen. Der Freund zieht weiter, ich seh' es heiter, denn er bleibt mein auf allen Wegen.
"Ella's Song" | VAL GAY
03:27

"Ella's Song" | VAL GAY

Attending the Beautifully Peaceful Protest in Philly on 6/6/20, I saw a sign that reminded me of this song - “We Who Believe In Freedom Can Not Rest” - words spoken by Ella Baker - a civil rights Giant for over 5 decades (who may have never heard of). Miss. Baker worked alongside some of the most noted civil rights leaders of the 20th century, including W. E. B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, A. Philip Randolph, and Martin Luther King Jr. She also mentored many emerging activists, such as Diane Nash, Stokely Carmichael, Rosa Parks, and Bob Moses, whom she first mentored as leaders in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Her quotes in the song remain relevant today: (Words: Ella Baker. Original Song: Bernice Reagon. Vocal Arrangement and Music: Val Gay) “We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes Until the killing of Black men, Black mothers’ sons Is as important as the killing of White men, White mothers’ sons The older I get the better I know that the secret of my going on Is when the reins are in the hand of the young who dare to run against the storm Not needing to clutch for power, not needing the light just to shine on me I need to be just one in the number as we stand against tyranny Struggling myself don’t mean a whole lot I come to realize That teaching others to stand up and fight is the only way my struggle survives I’m a woman who speaks in a voice and I must be heard At time I can be quite difficult, I’ll bow to no man’s word” Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"ANOTHER MAN DONE GONE" | Val Gay
03:21

"ANOTHER MAN DONE GONE" | Val Gay

Another Man Done Gone is a traditional work song that was first recorded by Vera Hall (a black woman) in 1940. The song was sung by country and folk artists (Johnny Cash, Odettta) to shine a light on the plight of poor and black people. I’ve changed the melody a bit and re-wrote most of the lyrics. The more things change, the more they stay the same… Song: Vera Hall Arrangement and additional lyrics: Val Gay Another man done gone They hung him in a tree And then another used his knee We could plainly see when he said He couldn’t breathe While another used his knee I just found out their names And I’m in so much pain Please say their names How long will this go on? It’s already been way too long… “I can’t be a pessimist, because I’m alive… so I’m forced to be an optimist; I’m forced to believe that we will survive and indeed we must survive… BUT… the future of the Negro in this country is precisely as bright or as dark as the future of the country…” James Baldwin 1963 Val Gay is serial entrepreneur and all around creative. Be sure to follow me on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the https://linktr.ee/valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"Hallelujah" | Val Gay
02:37

"Hallelujah" | Val Gay

hal· le· lu· jah | \ ˌha-lə-ˈlü-yə \ noun - a shout or song of praise or thanksgiving No matter what is happening around or even to me, I remain grateful and sing praises to God. There’s a Bible verse that says “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28). That’s why I generally have a smile on my face and am generally not worried. I know God’s got me. Who has you? Song: written by Leonard Cohen. arranged by Val Gay Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"LET US WORSHIP HIM" | Val Gay
03:38

"LET US WORSHIP HIM" | Val Gay

I miss physically  attending my church each week, and am grateful I get to be with my community each week online. I made this video for today’s service. Years ago, I fell in love with @yolandaadams version and wrote choral parts to incorporate the choir I played for. This remains one of my all time favorites from Majestic of Bible Way Baptist Church in West Philadelphia. And yes, despite the pandemic, seemingly unchecked police brutality and racist vitriol which seems to be increasing and escalating, and the looming economic failure, my Faith remains strong and I will Worship Christ. (Not the fairy tale version taught in a lot of churches, but the gangsta who radically loved the people who were disdained and disenfranchised by the Establishment, and spoke Truth to Power, and then Died for that Truth and for me and you…) Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the https://linktr.ee/valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
"Be Still My Soul" | Val Gay
01:56

"Be Still My Soul" | Val Gay

The words of the first part of my arrangement of this medley, “Be Still My Soul” were written in 1752, and despite the passing of centuries and the poetic language, the words remain comforting. The last words of this medley, “It Is Well With My Soul” were written following the total loss of the writer’s family. None of us are sheltered from pain, grief, fear or any other emotion, but there is HOPE, just as @dralastanford #BlackDoctorCOVID19Consortium and #blackchurches have brought HOPE and FREE TESTING to protect and serve our community. Please support this effort - give to https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid19-BDCC   Thanks to @marshmitchmedia and @cherrigregg  @kywnewsradio for the photos and keeping this top of our minds. medley arrangement by Val Gay Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings https://www.valgay.com/
KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 175 FEATURING | ADE LAWAL
14:23

KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 175 FEATURING | ADE LAWAL

Welcome to the 175th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 175 Adé Lawal @_adeinthelife is the President of Express Employment Professionals in Philadelphia; a recruitment firm he acquired in 2012. Adé is actively involved in the community. He is currently on the board of the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), the Welcoming Center For New Pennsylvanians and Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC). For fun, he runs, travels and golfs. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management Information Systems from the University of Virginia and MBA at Harvard Business School. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and Six Sigma Black Belt. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/
KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 174 FEATURING | CHRIS ARLENE
24:00

KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 174 FEATURING | CHRIS ARLENE

Welcome to the 174th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 174 Chris Arlene @chrisarlene215 leads Pew’s policy team for the Philadelphia research and policy initiative, focusing on improving government effectiveness through technical assistance and collaboration with policymakers. With over 15 years of experience, he has driven organizational effectiveness across a variety of policy and operational environments. Before joining Pew, Chris founded a consulting practice working with local and national clients such as the City of Philadelphia and the National Association of Counties. He also held leadership roles with the School District of Philadelphia and City Year Philadelphia. In addition to his professional work, Chris serves as a paratrooper and Civil Affairs Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He deployed to the Sahel Region of Northwest Africa in 2021-2022, where he led civil affairs missions in Niger and Togo. Chris also serves as a trustee for the Scattergood Foundation and holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School. He resides in Mt. Airy with his wife Edisa, son Elijah, and dog Chance the Rescue. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/
Deleted video
19:42

Deleted video

Welcome to the 173rd Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 173 - Kyle The Conductor @KyleTheConductor is an edutainer, community organizer, and Founding Executive Director of The ECO Foundation, 501(c)(3). He briefly died after being shot 6 times in 2013, and has dedicated his second life to spreading love and helping others. Like ECO, his mission is to work collaboratively with the people we serve to provide creative education, healthy food, and employment opportunities, so they can meet their needs today and thrive for generations to come. His goal is to support the liberation of people from institutional and structural oppression, so they can be better for themselves and their communities. Music: @valgaysings “Correspondence (639 hz)” Nominate a positive Black Man Today! https://forms.gle/jzW5iEPafPzi4xVC6 Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/
KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 173 FEATURING | KYLE THE CONDUCTOR
20:38

KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 173 FEATURING | KYLE THE CONDUCTOR

Welcome to the 172nd Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 172 Jordan Holbert, @coach.jordanholbert founder of It’s All Connected Coaching & Consulting, is a visionary coach and consultant with a mission to empower individuals and teams to “Win Now” by developing mental, emotional, and physical strength. With a background in exercise science and business management, Jordan has built a credible reputation for transforming potential into performance. Through personalized coaching and mission-driven initiatives, he fosters a deep emotional connection with clients, ensuring they not only achieve results but also develop lasting attachment to their own growth journey. His holistic approach, combining strategic goal-setting, mindfulness, and leadership development, has made him a trusted voice for high achievers seeking sustainable success in life and work. Jordan’s philosophy isn’t just about winning today—it’s about winning the future by living fully in the present. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/
KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 172 FEATURING JORDAN HOLBERT
16:26

KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 172 FEATURING JORDAN HOLBERT

Welcome to the 171st Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 171 Zachary King (@thefutureisfemalemedia) uses his platform to spark meaningful conversations and inspire Black women to embrace entrepreneurship and empowerment. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/
KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 171 FEATURING | ZACHARY KING
09:01

KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 171 FEATURING | ZACHARY KING

Welcome to the 170th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 170 Kyle “JustSole” Clark @justsole is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, and street dance competitor who have dedicated over 20+ years to the cultivation, transmission, and preservation of Hip Hop/Street and club dance forms/cultural traditions. He has done this in multiple facets of the culture as professional performer, educator, mentor, and cultural ambassador. He has toured both nationally and internationally with world-renowned Rennie Harris Puremovement Hip Hop Theater company as a Principal dancer/ Rehearsal Director and have represented the U.S. as Cultural Ambassadors three times via The Obama Administration/ BAM/ Dance Motion USA, The US Embassy and Next Level USA. He has performed, taught and competed internationally in over a dozen countries. He has also judged and won national and international street dance competitions including Freestyle Session/Survival of the Illest, Juste Debout USA and 3 appearances on Summer/House Dance Forever. Over the past 10+ years, he has co- developed multiple entities that have done work across the country. He created Just Sole! Street Dance Theater Company (Performance), Funky Sole Fundamentals (Education), Groove Factory (Intensive), SoleFull (Party), and The Sole Open (Battle) with Dinita “Queen Dinita” Clark. Some of his honors include receiving the 1st ever “Joanie “ Award from Philadanco (2023) , winning The University of the Arts President’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2017), Philly Rocky Award (2017 ), and Pew Grant (2016). After teaching at UArts, Temple University, Drexel, and Swarthmore College as an adjunct for 10 years, Kyle earned his MFA from The University of the Arts. Kyle is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Swarthmore College. In January 2024, Kyle successfully secured a partnership with SNIPES USA and opened CV“Just Sole X Snipes Dance Studio” dedicated to Hip Hop/Street Dance in Center City Philadelphia! Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/
KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 170 FEATURING | KYLE JUSTSOLE CLARK
09:15

KING CRUSH THURSDAY EPISODE 170 FEATURING | KYLE JUSTSOLE CLARK

Welcome to the 169th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here. EPISODE 169 Bidley Jean-Baptiste, originally from Haiti, moved to Philadelphia in 2010 and has called the city home ever since. He works for the City of Philadelphia and celebrated his first work anniversary in December 2024. In his free time, Bidley enjoys reading a wide range of material, from articles to comics. He is also a passionate soccer enthusiast, embracing all things related to the sport. Val Gay is a serial entrepreneur and all around Creative. Be sure to follow her on Instagram: @valgaysings Facebook & Twitter: @valgaysings NOMINATE A BLACK MAN TODAY! Click the link https://www.flowcode.com/page/valgay and be sure to visit https://www.valgay.com/
KING CRUSH THURSDAY

EPK

Representation.

Label | Management:

Ithan Lloyd  |  267-713-2184

 

PR:

THEHIVECOLLAB  |  hello@thehivecolab.com, 855.601.1003

bottom of page