Category Archives: Val Goodrich

Official Val Goodrich Site
Visit Val Goodrich on Facebook

Val’s style is difficult to classify with just one word! As an original songwriter, Val dabbles in many areas – from folk-rock to blues. This diversity is shown by openings at the Blue Note (Columbia, Missouri): for Saffire, The Uppity Blues Women, and Iris DeMent, who was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Folk Category. Val has also opened for Texas rock-blues legend-Bugs Henderson, blues pianist-Kelley Hunt, and singer/songwriters-Ferron and Melissa Ferrick.

Val grew up in the Midwest listening to the Beatles, Elvis, and the Mama’s and the Papa’s, but also to the deep, lush voices of Anne Murray and Karen Carpenter. Major musical influences include Bruce Springsteen, because of the contrasting styles and issues he is not afraid to confront.

Val picked up a guitar at age eight and has never put it down. As much as Val loves to write, the drive to continue is a force unknown. With “insightful lyrics and catchy melodies…” (Blue Note publication, Columbia), Val’s songs are open-ended and transcend not only time, but also the emotions of the listeners. They are made more enjoyable by Val’s vocals, which invite attention of their own.

Solo, as part of the duo VAL & MAL, and with the Val Goodrich Band, Val has performed for several years at First Night, Heritage, Arts, and Blues festivals, as well as universities, wineries, county fairs, and other events all over the Midwest.

Val has completed a second album, entitled: ‘Stray From the Middle.’ This CD offers a little bit of everything – blues, pop, folk, and beautiful ballads. Val also has a five-song project available, and was included on the 10 o’clock News Compilation CD to benefit R.A.I.N. (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network).

As a teacher of young children, Val is proud to introduce music as a hands-on experience that many have taken with them into more formal education. As a musician, Val’s objectives are to share the music and thoughts with those who can say they’ve been there.