Kathy Valentine

Last updated

Kathy Valentine
The Go-Gos - Kathy Valentine (cropped).jpg
Valentine performing in 2008
Background information
Birth nameKathryn Valentine
Born (1959-01-07) January 7, 1959 (age 65)
Austin, Texas, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • memoirist
Instruments
  • Bass
  • guitar
Years active1978 [1] -present
Website kathyvalentine.com

Kathryn Valentine (born January 7, 1959) [2] is an American musician who is the bassist for the rock band the Go-Go's. She has maintained a career in music through songwriting, recording, performing and touring as well as additional academic and creative pursuits. Valentine was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2021 as a member of The Go-Go's. [3] [4]

Contents

Early life

Valentine was born on January 7, 1959, in Austin, Texas, an only child who was raised by her single mother, an English expatriate. In 9th grade she began playing guitar after she moved from public school to an alternative school called Greenbriar. In 1973, while visiting England with her mother, she happened to see Suzi Quatro on Top Of The Pops , and said it "blew her mind". It had never occurred to her that a woman could be a rock star. [5]

She returned to Austin, got an electric guitar and amp, and began looking for bandmates. She credits the Austin music scene for her diverse musical roots, in particular Jimmie Vaughan and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, as well as Texas icon Doug Sahm who let her onstage to sit in with his band on the Chuck Berry song "Carol". [6]

In 1975, on a subsequent family visit to London with her mother, she answered an ad in Melody Maker and joined the fledgling Girlschool. She missed a gig due to illness and was replaced by Kelly Johnson, with whom she would later work. Inspired by the punk scene and bands like the Ramones and Blondie, Valentine returned to Austin and formed the punk band the Violators, alongside Carla Olson, Jesse Sublett and Marilyn Dean. The band played at Raul's, Austin's first punk club, in February 1978. [7]

In late 1978, aged 19, Valentine moved to Los Angeles and co-founded the Textones with Carla Olson. The Textones released two singles, including an unreleased Tom Petty song, before Valentine left the band in 1980. During her time in the Textones, Phil Seymour recorded "We Don't Get Along", a song she'd written. The Go-Go's would later record this song as well as other songs she'd written during the Textones period, such as "Vacation" and "Can't Stop The World". [8]

Career

The Go-Go's (1980–1985)

Valentine was asked to play bass, an instrument that she had not played extensively, as a substitute for the Go-Go's bass player Margot Olavarria, who had been ill and the band decided needed to be replaced. She says she learned their songs over four days and rehearsed with them twice before hitting the stage on New Year's Eve 1980 at Whisky a Go Go. [9] Valentine was asked to remain as a permanent member shortly thereafter. The Go-Go's were signed to I.R.S. Records in March 1981. "Can't Stop the World" was recorded for the Go-Go's debut album, Beauty and the Beat .

The second album featured Valentine's previous Textones song "Vacation" as the title track and first single, after re-working the arrangement with Go-Gos' guitarist Charlotte Caffey. On the Go-Gos' third LP, Talk Show , Valentine also co-wrote with Caffey the hit single "Head over Heels," and played lead guitar on several songs, including the single "Turn To You", album cuts "You Thought", "Beneath The Blue Sky", and "Good For Gone".

The band struggled with internal difficulties during the recording of Talk Show, and tried to stay together after the departure of rhythm guitarist Jane Wiedlin. Valentine moved to lead guitar duties, and Paula Jean Brown was hired to play bass. The Go-Go's broke up in May 1985.

Post Go-Go's (1985–1990) and Go-Go's reunion

After the break up, Valentine said that she felt lost and that her identity had become absorbed into being a Go-Go. [6] Returning to her rock roots, she formed the World's Cutest Killers, a line up she thought would be successful, featuring former Girlschool guitarist Kelly Johnson, her old friend Jesse Sublett on bass, drummer (future A&R man) Craig Aaronson, and keyboardist Jebin Bruni. The group attracted the attention of producer Mike Chapman and recorded demos, which were scrapped, and the band split up. [6] [10] Several other bands and line ups went nowhere, and Valentine returned to school. [11] In 1990, the Go-Go's reunited for concerts and a CD of greatest hits, but split again soon after.[ citation needed ]

The BlueBonnets, The Delphines, and Go-Go's second reunion (1992–2013)

In 1992, Valentine began her longest collaboration and partnership with singer and bassist Dominique Davalos. They formed the BlueBonnets, a blues-based group. With high-profile guests sitting in with the band, club goers lining up to see them, and performances at celebrity wedding receptions and parties, record company scouts took notice but the band went through line up changes — many fans thought the addition of Pinky Turzo on lead vocals was the group's pinnacle, although attempts to capture the magic in the studio proved fruitless — and eventually morphed into the Valentine/Davalos band The Delphines early in 1995. [12]

The Go-Go's began working together again, with Valentine co-writing "The Whole World Lost Its Head" on Return To The Valley of The Go-Go's , a song which became the band's highest charting U.K. single. The band released a new CD God Bless The Go-Go's in 2001, toured extensively for many years, and appeared in a popular DVD live concert, The Go-Go's Live In Central Park. Determined not to let the Go-Go's define her this time around, Valentine kept The Delphines going, and the band released two albums, The Delphines (1996) and Cosmic Speed (2001). [13]

Light Years (2005)

In 2005, Valentine released a solo recording, Light Years, that she co-produced, wrote, arranged and performed the guitar and vocal tracks. Light Years featured musician friends, including Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, Guns and Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, Lenny Kravitz, guitarist Craig Ross, and drummers Clem Burke and Pete Thomas. [14] She began the record while pregnant in 2002 and wrote several songs with then husband, attorney and musician Steven Weisburd.[ citation needed ]

Return to Austin, third Go-Go's reunion and Hall of Fame induction (2006-present)

In 2006, Valentine returned to her hometown to reside. She has been featured on the cover of the Fall 2010 issue of Texas Music , a February 2007 issue of the Austin Chronicle , [6] and the February 2009 issue of Austin Woman. [15]

In March 2014, at South by Southwest she was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame by members of Blondie (Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, and Clem Burke). [16] She and Davalos re-formed The BlueBonnets with a Texas line up, including Austin guitarist Eve Monsees. [12]

The band has released two albums, Boom Boom Boom Boom (2010) and Play Loud (2014), and were invited to open for The Waterboys American tour in Spring 2015. Their third album, Tonewrecker, was released on April 1, 2017. Valentine and Davalos also perform in the band Lady Band Johnson with front man Johnny Goudie.[ citation needed ]

On March 21, 2016, The Go-Go's announced plans for a farewell tour. However Valentine would not be part of the lineup. [17]

A number of her songs were featured in the 2018 debut of the Broadway musical, Head Over Heels, with a story suggested by Philip Sidney's Arcadia set to the songs of the Go-Go's and Belinda Carlisle. [18] As a result, Valentine rejoined the band to perform their first show together as a quintet in six years at New York's Bowery Ballroom on January 31, 2018. In February 2018, posts on the group's official Facebook page confirmed that Valentine had rejoined the band. A summer tour is planned for 2020.

The original version of her Textones song, "Vacation", is the theme song of the Starz cable series Hightown which debuted May 2020, and was renewed for a second season.

In 2020 the group announced an 11-date reunion tour however the tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [19] In September 2021, The Go-Go's announced plans for a 2022 UK tour with Billy Idol that would start in June 2022. [20]

Valentine and The Go-Go's were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 30, 2021. The group celebrated their induction with a special show at the Whisky a Go Go in December 2021. [21] The group however were forced to cancel other West Coast dates scheduled for early January 2022 due to a COVID-19 case involving someone with the tour. [22]

Other activities

While working to complete her inter-disciplinary degree in English and Fine Arts, Valentine has also begun taking writing jobs and public speaking engagements. She was the keynote speaker at The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women annual event, [23] and for the MEOW Conference, where she also presented a Valor Award to her early inspiration Suzi Quatro. [24]

In 2014, Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems presented Valentine as part of its Game Changers promotional campaign. [25]

In 2013, she put together an all-female, all-star band for the Experience Music Project's Women Who Rock Exhibit. [26]

Valentine recruited underground influential musicians and Seattle-based singers to front the band and was musical director. She has also been hired to write music reviews for The Talkhouse, an online site devoted to music and music lovers. In 2016, Valentine was the featured speaker at Kids In A New Groove annual fundraiser. The same year, Valentine signed with U.T. Press to write a memoir. [27]

The original Textones version of Valentine's song "Vacation" is the theme song of the Starz series Hightown.

Valentine's memoir, All I Ever Wanted, was published by the University of Texas Press in March 2020. [28] The book has received universal praise and was #1 on Amazon's Rock Biography chart.

Go-Go's lawsuit

A broken wrist led to Valentine being replaced on a 2012 summer tour. On March 8, 2013, the Go-Go's official website said "irreconcilable differences" had led to her departure. [29] On May 24, 2013, she sued her former bandmates for "breach of fiduciary duty and abuse of control...in an attempt to deprive [her] of her position and interest in the group, including her right to receive her full 20% share of the benefits and revenues generated by the group's substantial reputation, fame, and goodwill." [30] [31] [32] In early 2014, the lawsuit that Valentine brought against her former bandmates was settled out of court.[ citation needed ] Valentine rejoined the Go-Go's in 2018 and toured with them in summer 2018. [33]

Personal life

Valentine is divorced from Steven Weisburd, with whom she has a daughter. Valentine and Weisburd were partners in The Townsend, a bar and performance venue in downtown Austin from 2016 to 2020. [34] [35] [36]

Discography

With the Textones

Singles

With The Go-Go's

With The Delphines

Solo albums

With The BlueBonnets

As composer

As producer

Also appears on

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Go-Go's</span> American rock band

The Go-Go's are an American all-female rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1978. Except for short periods when other musicians joined briefly, the band has had a relatively stable lineup consisting of Charlotte Caffey on lead guitar and keyboards, Belinda Carlisle on lead vocals, Gina Schock on drums, Kathy Valentine on bass, and Jane Wiedlin on rhythm guitar. They are widely considered the most successful all-female rock band of all time.

<i>Beauty and the Beat</i> (The Go-Gos album) 1981 studio album by the Go-Gos

Beauty and the Beat is the debut album from California new wave band the Go-Go's. Released July 14, 1981 on the I.R.S. Records label, the album reached number one on Billboard's Top LPs & Tape chart in March 1982, bolstered by its two big Hot 100 hit singles: "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat", released in 1980, but in a different version. After a long and steady climb, Beauty and the Beat reached number one in the album chart dated March 6, 1982, the week before "We Got the Beat" entered the Top Ten of the Hot 100. The album stayed at the top for six consecutive weeks, and ranked second in Billboard's year-end Top 100 of 1982. The album sold in excess of two million copies, and was RIAA-certified double platinum, qualifying it as one of the most successful debut albums of all time. Critically acclaimed, it has been described as one of the "cornerstone albums of American new wave".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suzi Quatro</span> American rock musician (born 1950)

Susan Kay Quatro is an American singer, bass guitarist, songwriter and actress. In the 1970s, she scored a string of singles that found success in Europe and Australia, with both "Can the Can" (1973) and "Devil Gate Drive" (1974) reaching No. 1 in several countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belinda Carlisle</span> American singer (born 1958)

Belinda Jo Carlisle is an American singer and songwriter. She gained fame as the lead vocalist of the Go-Go's, the most successful all-female rock band of all time, and went on to have a prolific career as a solo artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlotte Caffey</span> American guitarist

Charlotte Irene Caffey is an American guitarist and pianist, best known for her work in the rock band the Go-Go's in the 1980s, including writing "We Got the Beat".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clem Burke</span> American musician (born 1954)

Clement Burke is an American musician who is best known as the drummer for the band Blondie from 1975, shortly after the band formed, throughout the band's entire career. He also played drums for the Ramones for a brief time in 1987, under the name Elvis Ramone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jane Wiedlin</span> American musician

Jane Wiedlin is an American musician, singer and actress, best known as the co-founder, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist of the new wave band the Go-Go's. She also voices Dusk, the drummer and backup vocalist of the fictional rock band the Hex Girls. She also had a successful solo career.

<i>Vacation</i> (The Go-Gos album) 1982 studio album by the Go-Gos

Vacation is the second studio album by American rock band the Go-Go's, released on July 20, 1982, by I.R.S. Records. The album reached number eight on the Billboard 200, and has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The title track reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gina Schock</span> American rock drummer

Regina Ann Schock is an American musician, best known as the drummer for the rock band The Go-Go's.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Annabella Lwin</span> English-Burmese singer (born 1966)

Annabella Lwin is an English-Burmese singer, songwriter and record producer best known as the lead vocalist of Bow Wow Wow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vacation (The Go-Go's song)</span> 1982 single by the Go-Gos

"Vacation" is a 1982 single released by the all-female rock band, the Go-Go's. The song was the first single from the album, Vacation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Got the Beat</span> 1982 single by the Go-Gos

"We Got the Beat" is a song by the American rock band the Go-Go's, written by the group's lead guitarist and keyboardist Charlotte Caffey. The band first recorded the song in 1980 for a single on UK-based Stiff Records, and later rerecorded it for their debut album Beauty and the Beat on I.R.S. Records. The initial single release brought the Go-Go's underground credibility during their first UK tour and in the band's hometown of Los Angeles. The first version reached No. 35 on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart due to its popularity in clubs as an import, and the second version was a top 10 hit in both the United States and Canada. It is considered a new wave classic hit, as well as being the Go-Go's' signature song. The song was named one of "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll".

<i>Talk Show</i> (The Go-Gos album) 1984 studio album by the Go-Gos

Talk Show is the third studio album by the American rock band the Go-Go's, released on the I.R.S. label in 1984. Although some critics considered it an inspired return to form after their second album Vacation, other than the No. 11 hit single "Head over Heels", the album was a relative commercial disappointment, peaking at No. 18 and selling fewer than 500,000 copies. This would be the last all-original album by the group until 2001's God Bless The Go-Go's.

John Charles Goudie is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumental musician, record producer, actor, and podcaster based in Austin, Texas. Over his five-decade career, he has received acclaim for his unique vocals and a musical style rooted in classic rock. Goudie has been the recipient of four Austin Music Awards and has fronted several bands including Goudie, Mr. Rocket Baby, Lovetree, Panjandrum, Liars & Saints, and the Little Champions. He has also been a sideman in several other bands, notably Endochine, the Lossy Coils, and Skyrocket.

<i>God Bless the Go-Gos</i> 2001 studio album by the Go-Gos

God Bless the Go-Go's is the fourth and final studio album by the American rock band the Go-Go's, released on May 15, 2001. It was their first studio album after a lengthy hiatus, and was released 17 years after the band's previous album Talk Show was released in 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Head over Heels (Go-Go's song)</span> 1984 single by The Go-Gos

"Head over Heels" is a song by the all-female pop rock/new wave band the Go-Go's, released in 1984 as the first single from their third studio album, Talk Show. The song was written by band members Charlotte Caffey and Kathy Valentine, and produced by English record producer Martin Rushent. The Go-Gos' rhythm guitarist Jane Wiedlin has cited "Head over Heels" as her favorite Go-Go's song, describing it as "just a classic. Like a little pop truffle of chocolate that's just completely delicious."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yes or No (The Go-Go's song)</span> 1984 single by The Go-Gos

"Yes or No" is a song by the American rock band the Go-Go's, from their 1984 album Talk Show. The song was co-written by the Go-Go's guitarist Jane Wiedlin and Ron and Russell Mael of the Los Angeles band Sparks.

The Skunks are an American three-piece rock band formed in 1977 in Austin, Texas. The band debuted in early 1978 at Raul's, quickly became a mainstay of the Austin music scene. They rapidly expanded their fan base beyond early punk/new wave into clubs whose audiences crossed the spectrum, including the Armadillo World Headquarters, the Continental Club, Dukes Royal Coach, Club Foot, Liberty Lunch, and many others in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Skunks music channeled classic rock influences, such as The Rolling Stones and The Who, with 1970s cult figures such as the New York Dolls and The Velvet Underground.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dominique Davalos</span> American actress

Dominique Davalos is American musician, rock singer and bass player formerly in the band Dominatrix, whose controversial music video single "The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight", released in 1984, was deemed too racy for its time. The song's video, directed by Beth B., featured a fur and stocking-clad Davalos. Commercial radio stations banned the single, and cable channel MTV refused to air the risque video. In 2012, the video was placed on display in the contemporary art wing of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Davalos has Finnish and Spanish heritage from her father's side.

Carla Olson is an American, Los Angeles-based songwriter, performer and record producer.

References

  1. ↑ "BIO - The Go-Go's". Gogos.com. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  2. ↑ Rose, Mike (January 7, 2023). "Today's famous birthdays list for January 7, 2023 includes celebrities Nicolas Cage, Kenny Loggins". Cleveland.com . Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  3. ↑ Stith, Deborah Sengupta (May 13, 2021). "It's 'a crowning achievement.' Kathy Valentine on the Go-Go's Rock Hall of Fame induction". austin360. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  4. ↑ Billboard Staff (November 3, 2021). "Go-Go's Drummer Gina Schock Talks Hanging With Superfan Drew Barrymore at RRHOF and Career-Spanning Photo Book". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  5. ↑ Hamlin, Bradley Mason; Lucy Hell. "Kathy Valentine Interview". Mysteryisland.ne. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Moser, Margaret. "Every day is (Kathy) Valentine's Day". Austinchronicle.com. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  7. ↑ "RAUL'S CLUB | The Handbook of Texas Online| Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)". tshaonline.org. September 14, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  8. ↑ Gimarc, George (October 15, 1997). Post Punk Diary:1980-1982 . St. Martin's Griffin. p.  39. ISBN   031216968X.
  9. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Go-Go's". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  10. ↑ Gaar, Gillian (November 29, 2002). She's a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock and Roll (Live Girls) (2nd ed.). Seal Press. p. 339. ISBN   1580050786.
  11. ↑ "Kathy Valentine". Thenewrevolutionists.org. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  12. 1 2 Seida, Linda. "The Delphines - Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  13. ↑ "The Delphines | Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  14. ↑ Mason, Stewart. "Light Years - Credits". AllMusic . Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  15. ↑ "9th Anniversary Panelists". Austinwomanmagazine.com. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  16. ↑ Rodriguez, Donny. "Austin Music Awards at SXSW, A Local Showcase For The Masses". Texasrockreport.com. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  17. ↑ "The Go-Go's Recruit Best Coast for Summer Farewell Tour". Rolling Stone . Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Go-Go's Musical Head Over Heels Eyes Summer Broadway Bow at the Hudson Theatre". Playbill.com. January 10, 2018. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  19. ↑ Varga, George (January 8, 2022). "The Go-Go's postpone reunion tour, which was set to open in San Diego in June". sandiegotribune.com.
  20. ↑ Schube, Will (January 8, 2022). "The Go-Go's Announce 2022 UK Tour With Billy Idol". udiscovermusic.com.
  21. ↑ Irwin, Corey (January 8, 2022). "GO GO'S PLAY LOS ANGELES CLUB SHOW: PHOTOS". ultimateclassicrock.com.
  22. ↑ Irwin, Corey (January 8, 2022). "The Go-Go's Cancel West Coast Shows Including San Diego Due to COVID Case". timesofsandiego.com.
  23. ↑ Godwin, Robert. "2013 Go Red For Women Summit". Keepaustingiving.org. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  24. ↑ McDonnell, Evelyn. "Rock 'N' Role Models". Populismblog.wordpress.com. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Rainbow Light Launches Circle of Care Program to Celebrate 30 Years of Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility". Prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  26. ↑ Gaar, Gillian. "Concert review: a bounty of hits from female artists at EMP "Blow Out" concert". The Seattle Times . The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Announcing new memoir by former Go-Go Kathy Valentine". University of Texas Press. March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  28. ↑ "All I Ever Wanted A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir By Kathy Valentine". Utpress.utexas.edu. October 5, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Update from Go-Go's HQ". March 8, 2013. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  30. ↑ "Valentine v. Carlisle et al" (PDF). The Hollywood Reporter . Case BC510027, Los Angeles County Superior Court. May 24, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  31. ↑ Couch, Aaron (May 25, 2013). "Kathy Valentine alleges the other members of the iconic girl band are attempting to reduce her share in the group". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  32. ↑ Heller, Matthew (May 28, 2013). "Axed Go-Go's Member Says Band Blocked Her From Profits". Law360.com. Portfolio Media, Inc. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Reunited Go-Go's kick off West Coast tour in Hall of Fame fashion". Mercurynews.com. June 29, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  34. ↑ Campbell, Elizabeth (February 21, 2015). "THE TOWNSEND - Great Drinks, Food, Music, Art in an Elegant Space in Downtown Austin". Glittercop.blogspot.com. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  35. ↑ Swiatecki, Chad. "New live music bar to open in iconic Congress Avenue space". Austin Business Journal. American City Business Journals. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  36. ↑ Broyles, Addie (June 4, 2020). "Downtown cocktail hotspot The Townsend closes for good".
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.