Valerie Carter was a renowned American singer-songwriter who embarked on her musical journey by performing in coffeehouses as a teenager. She eventually became a key member of the country-folk band Howdy Moon, debuting at the prestigious Troubadour in Los Angeles, California in 1974. Although their sole album is relatively obscure today, it is notable for featuring the Carter-penned song "Cook with Honey," which later became a hit for Judy Collins. This album also marked the beginning of a long-standing professional relationship between Carter and Lowell George, who would go on to produce her next album and remain a mentor until his passing in 1979.
George introduced Carter to several prominent artists, including Jackson Browne, James Taylor, and many others she would collaborate with throughout her career. Her debut solo album, Just a Stone's Throw Away, boasted an impressive array of guest artists from the 1970s Southern California music scene, including Maurice White, Lowell George, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Deniece Williams. The album received widespread critical acclaim and earned her the opportunity to open for the Eagles in Europe.
Two years later, Carter released her sophomore solo album, Wild Child, and began touring with various artists, primarily James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Linda Ronstadt. Her third solo album, The Way It Is, featured an all-star cast of guest artists, including Phoebe Snow, Lyle Lovett, Edwin McCain, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and Jackson Browne. Throughout her illustrious career, Carter lent her vocals to over 100 recordings and remained an active presence in the music industry until her passing in 2017.
