Singer. Born Valerie Eileen Hall in Chicago, Illinois, she was trained as an opera singer, when she took blues scene by surprise in 1982, with her portrayals of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. As a blueswoman she fit right in as a regular in the blues clubs of Chicago, and as an impressive theatrical performer. She had only a few record releases, but her power-packed voice was featured frequently on many TV and radio commercials. She also appeared in the films "Survivors: The Blues Today" (1984) and "Great Balls of Fire!" (1989). She died of a brain aneurysm at age 33.
Singer. Born Valerie Eileen Hall in Chicago, Illinois, she was trained as an opera singer, when she took blues scene by surprise in 1982, with her portrayals of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. As a blueswoman she fit right in as a regular in the blues clubs of Chicago, and as an impressive theatrical performer. She had only a few record releases, but her power-packed voice was featured frequently on many TV and radio commercials. She also appeared in the films "Survivors: The Blues Today" (1984) and "Great Balls of Fire!" (1989). She died of a brain aneurysm at age 33.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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