A true legend of the blues-jazz sound, Billy Valentine has an illustrious and multifaceted career that spans more than five decades.

Championed by Gilles Peterson, the singer-songwriter began opening for acts such as Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. After earning some on-the-road experience singing with the Young-Holt Trio, Billy and his brother formed as The Valentine Brothers.

His recognition as a songwriter emerged after penning songs that went on to be recorded by Ray Charles, The Neville Brothers, and both Pops and Mavis Staples.

Valentine’s live performance finds new contours in songs originally recorded by Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Eddie Kendricks, War, Prince — and of course, Flying Dutchman stalwarts Leon Thomas and Gil-Scott Heron.