Photo: Sam Emerson

ABOUT

DISCOGRAPHY

ABOUT

Photo: Elliot Gilbert

Valerie Carter was an American singer-songwriter hailing from the 1970s era. Her album "Just a Stone's Throw Away" on Columbia Records was produced by Lowell George and Maurice White and featured such guest artists as Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Deniece Williams. The album was well received garnering favorable reviews and placing her as the opening act for the Eagles "Hotel California" tour.

Carter followed with her "Wild Child" album featuring the members of Toto, and "The Way It Is" album featuring Phoebe Snow, Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne, and Linda Ronstadt.

Carter penned the Judy Collins hit "Cook With Honey" as well as songs for Earth, Wind & Fire, Cher, and Jackson Browne. Additionally, she played a crucial role as a backup singer, lending her talents to renowned artists such as James Taylor, Christopher Cross, Randy Newman, and Eddie Money.

Valerie passed away on March 4, 2017. Despite her untimely departure, her music continues to resonate with fans around the world, serving as a lasting testament to her immense talent and legacy in the realm of American singer/songwriters. Two albums have been released posthumously, The Lost Tapes and The Lost Tapes Vol 2.

In 2024 the Valerie Carter estate and Faragher Brothers joined forces and recreated the Faragher Brothers "Never Get Your Love Behind Me" with a remarkable twist: the inclusion of Valerie's original vocal from a demo in 1977 when she was considering it for her "Wild Child" album. The B Side is a new recording of James Brown's "What My Baby Needs Now" featuring Valerie's vocals from a mesmerizing live performance in 1976. Through this project, Valerie Carter is celebrated. Her soul-stirring voice is given new life, ensuring that her legacy continues to live on.

DISCOGRAPHY

Solo Albums

Just a Stones Throw Away 1977

Wild Child 1978

The Way It Is 1996

Find A River 1998

The Way It Is/Find A River 2017

The Lost Tapes 2018

Ooh Child: The Columbia Years 2019

Valerie Carter - Live in Tokyo 1994 2020

The Lost Tapes Vol 2 2022

Duet/Trio/Background Vocals

Airforce Airforce 1984

Laura Allan Laura Allan 1978

Hoyt Axton Southbound 1975
Jackson Browne I'm Alive 1993

Jackson Browne Looking East 1996

Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville Cafe 1993

Jorge Calderon City Music 1975

Eric Carmen Change of Heart 1978

Valerie Carter and Faragher Bros 2024

Cher Love Hurts 1991

Shawn Colvin Fat City 1992

Shawn Colvin Wish You Were Here 1996

Christopher Cross Christopher Cross 1980

Christopher Cross Wishing Well 1994

Aselin Debison Sweet Is the Melody 2002

Cliff DeYoung Cliff DeYoung 1975

Rick Derringer Free Ride 2002

Neil Diamond Lovescape 1991

Neil Diamond Up on the Roof 1993

Neil Diamond Christmas Album, Vol. 2 1994

Neil Diamond In My Lifetime 1996

Brian Elliot Brian Elliot 1978

Dan Fogelberg Portrait 1997

Julia Fordham Swept 1991

Jeffrey Foskett Laughter In the Rain 2003

Freebo End of the Beginning 1999

Glenn Frey Strange Weather 1992

Jack Gafford No Vacancy 2008

Lowell George Thanks I'll Eat It Here 1979

Lowell George Tribute Rock and Roll Doctor 1997

Glenda Griffith Glenda Griffith 1977

Don Grusin 10k-La 1980

Don Henley The End of the Innocence 1989

Don Henley Inside Job 2000

Hurt Vol. 2 2007

Tom Jans Eyes of an Only Child 1975

Tom Jans Dark Blonde 1976

Tom Jans Chambers of the Heart 2015

Tom Kell This Desert City 2011

Al Kooper Championship Wrestling 1982

Kenny Loggins December 1998

Jude Johnstone Coming of Age 2001

Nicolette Larson Nicolette 1978

Nicolette Larson Tribute Lotta Love Concert 2006

Nicolette Larson All Dressed up & No Place To Go 1982

Nicolette Larson / Valerie Carter / Lauren Wood Baby It's You 2018

Little Feat The Last Record Album 1975

Little Feat Shake Me Up 1991

Little Feat Rad Gumbo 2014

Little Feat Hotcakes and Outtakes 2000

Lyle Lovett Road to Ensenada 1996

Hirth Martinez Feeling So Fine 2000

Keiko Matsui Sapphire 1995

Maureen McCormick When You Get a Little Lonely 1995

Larry John McNally Larry John McNally 1982

Bob Meighan Band Mr Hun 1977

Julie Miller Orphans & Angels 1993

Julie Miller Invisible Girl 1994

Adam Mitchell Redhead in Trouble 1979

Eddie Money Playing for Keeps 1980

Anne Murray Anne Murray 1996

Willie Nelson Healing Hands of Time 1994

Aaron Neville Warm Your Heart 1991

Randy Newman Born Again 1979

Ofra Haza Kirya 1992

Outlaws Ghost Riders 1980

Henry Paul Band Henry Paul 1982

Stephen Paul The Awakening 2001

Greg Prestopino Big Red Nude 1997

Vesica Pisces Halfway to Naked 2003

Mary Kay Place Almost Grown 2011

Micheal Polnareff Michel Polnareff 1976

Bill Quateman Just Like You 1979

Linda Ronstadt Winter Light 1994

Linda Ronstadt Feels Like Home 1995

Linda Ronstadt Dedicated to the One I Love 1996

Diana Ross The Force Behind the Power 1991

Diana Ross When You Dream 1993

Vonda Shepard Songs From Ally McBeal 1998

Adam Shoemaker Adam Shoemaker 2018

Michael Shrieve Big Picture 1989

Tom Snow Tom Snow 1976

Ringo Starr Time Takes Time 1992

Rod Stewart Foolish Behavior 1980

James Taylor Gorilla 1975

James Taylor In the Pocket 1976

James Taylor New Moon Shine 1991

James Taylor Hourglass 1997

James Taylor James Taylor: Best Live 1994

Allan Thomas The Island 1989

John Vester My Heart is In Your Hands 1998

Anna Vissi Everything I Am 2000

Jack Wagner Lighting Up The Night 1985

Jimmy Webb Angel Heart 1982

Jimmy Webb Suspending Disbelief 1993

Bobby Woods Les Deux Orchestra

Warren Zevon Back In the High Life 2003

TV/Film

Barney's Great Adventure, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 1998

The Butcher's Wife Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 1991

The Devil and Daniel Mouse Animated Feature Soundtrack 1978

If Not For You TV Series Theme Song 1995

Mermaids Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 1990

Michael: Music from the Motion Picture 1996

One Day at a Time TV Series Theme Song 1975

Over the Edge Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 1979

Ally McBeal Soundtrack 1998

Thelma and Louise Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 1997

The Unknown Cyclist Original Soundtrack 1998

White Line Fever Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 1975

White Sands Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 1992

Written/Co-written

And You Never Knew Howdy Moon 1974

Back to Blue Some More Valerie Carter Just a Stone's Throw Away 1977

Cook With Honey Howdy Moon 1974

Cook With Honey Judy Collins The Stories and Other Dreams 1973

Cowboy Angel Valerie Carter Just a Stone's Throw Away 1977

Crazy Valerie Carter Wild Child 1978

Deceiver Brothers Johnson You Keep Me Coming Back 1984

I Got Over It Valerie Carter The Lost Tapes 2018

I Say Amen Valerie Carter The Way It Is 1996

I'm Alone Howdy Moon 1974

It Is One Jackson Browne Looking East 1996

Lady In The Dark Valerie Carter Wild Child 1978

Love Needs A Heart Valerie Carter The Way It Is 1996

Love Needs A Heart Jackson Browne Running on Empty 1983

Love Needs A Heart Polly Bolton No Going Back 1989

Love Needs A Heart Barbara Dickson Dark End of the Street 1995

Love Needs A Heart The Harptones Various Everything Old is New Again 1982

Never Should've Started Black Rose (Cher) Black Rose 1980

Nino Jackson Browne Looking East 1996

Ringing Doorbells in the Rain Valerie Carter Just A Stone's Throw Away 1977

Sea of Stars Valerie Carter The Way It Is 1996

Skinny White Pants Valerie Carter The Lost Tapes 2018

Southern Belle Tom Jans Champion 1982

Story of Love Valerie Carter Wild Child 1978

Sweat TheeSatisfaction Awe Naturale 2012

Taking the Long Way Home Valerie Carter Wild Child 1978

The Way It Is Valerie Carter The Way It Is 1996

Turn It Into Something Good Earth, Wind & Fire Faces 1980

What's Become of Us Valerie Carter Wild Child 1978

Photos: Taizo Takei

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On this day in 1977, a young Valerie Carter joined the Eagles at Wembley for the start of the European leg of their Hotel California Tour. They went on to do 17 shows, and she was replacing Dan Fogelberg as the opening act. Val described being in her dressing room, and all she could hear was the deafening chant of "EAGLES! EAGLES! EAGLES!" She knew no one would have a clue who she was. She went out there and sang "Desperado" a cappella, only singing it as "Avocado!" I'll be featuring some of the songs from her performance in Düsseldorf over the next couple of weeks. This first one is the title song to her album that had just come out, "Just a Stone's Throw Away." #valeriecarter #eagles #hotelcaliforniatour1977 PHOTO: Rob Verhorst

"White Sands" motion picture was released this week in 1992, starring William Dafoe, Samuel Jackson, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Mickey Rourke. The original motion picture soundtrack album included "Quicksand and Lies," performed by Little Feat and Valerie Carter and produced and written by Bill Payne and Craig Fuller. Engineered by Frank Wolf. #valeriecarter #littlefeat #whitesands

Today is Earth Day. 🌎
Here is some beautiful footage of Val, David Lasley, Kate Markowitz, Arnold McCuller, Carlos Vega, Clifford Carter, Bob Mann, and Jimmy Johnson with James as they perform his song Gaia celebrating Earth Day 1997. #valeriecarter #jamestaylor @jamestaylor_com #earthday #davidlasley #arnoldmcculler #katemarkowitz @viedekatemarkowitz #cliffordcarter #jimmyjohnson #bobmann #carlosvega

In continuing to honor Prince be sure and check out the new "Dearly Beloved: A Prince Songbook" CD produced by Adam Mattera and featuring Val's "Crazy You" #valeriecarter #prince #crazyyou #bothgoonetoosoon

Remembering Prince on the 9th anniversary of his passing.
💜🙏💜
#prince #valeriecarter #gonetoosoon

Guess what tomorrow is

4/20! 🪴

Photo: George Gruel @georgegruelphotography

#valeriecarter #georgegruel #420day

Remembering American icon Dick Clark today on the 13th anniversary of his passing at 82. American Bandstand was the longest running variety show in TV history. Between Dick Clark Productions and his Rockin' New Year's Eve his other credits are far too many to post here. Here's Dick with Val and Jack Wagner on American Bandstand. This is "Love Can Take Us All the Way" Written by
Clif Magness Magness and Glenn Ballard. 1986 #dickclark #valeriecarter #jackwagner

In 2019 we had the honor of doing a split single with Inara George. Our side was "Baby It's You" with Valerie Carter, Nicolette Larson, and Lauren Wood, and her side was a duet with Charlie Wadhams of the Frank and Nancy Sinatra record "Somethin' Stupid," which was the #1 record on this day in 1967. This was a limited edition 7" vinyl on Hayabusa Landings. #valeriecarter #inarageorge #charliewadhams #somethinstupid #nicolettelarson #laurenwood #franksinatra #nancysinatra

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Lowell George 🙏 💕
Lowell was Val's friend and mentor and largely responsible for her career. They co-wrote "Love Needs a Heart" with Jackson Browne which both Val and Jackson recorded; "Cowboy Angel" (inspired by Tom Jans) and "Back to Blue Some More" (along with Bill Payne) for her first solo album, which Lowell also played on and co-produced. They co-wrote "Skinny White Pants," which is featured on The Lost Tapes. Here's Lowell and Vall on "Heartache," written by Lowell and Ivan Ulz. #lowellgeorge #valeriecarter

Happy Record Store Day! Last year for RSD we joined forces with the Faragher Brothers and recreated the Faraghers "Never Get Your Love Behind Me" with a twist: we included Valerie's original vocal from a demo in 1977 when she was considering it for her "Wild Child" album. The B Side is a new recording of James Brown's "What My Baby Needs Now" featuring Valerie's vocals from a live performance in 1976. #valeriecarter #recordstoreday #faragherbros

48 years ago tonight in Miami #valeriecarter #oorleans #donmcclean

Happy Birthday to Brenda Russell! Here's Val with Brenda, Jeff Porcaro, Mike Porcaro, David Paich, Danny Kortchmar, Richie Zito, Jai Winding, Paulinho da Costa, Brian Russell, Donny Gerard, and Samantha Sang on Eric Carmen's " Baby I Need Your Lovin" from Eric's "Change of Heart" album recorded at the Sound Factory and engineered by Greg Ladani and Dennis Kirk and produced by Eric.
#brendarussell #valeriecarter #ericcarmen #babyineedyourloving

Remembering Carlos Vega today on the anniversary of his passing in 1998. He was just 41. Val and Carlos spent many years together touring with James Taylor. She adored him as we all did. Carlos, Val, Don, and David all gone too soon. 🙏💔
#carlosvega #valeriecarter #dongrolnick #davidlasley #neverforget #jamestaylor @viedekatemarkowitz

Happy Birthday Emmylou Harris! THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO 2/10/94
#emmylouharris #valeriecarter @viedekatemarkowitz #thankstoyou

Remembering photographer Jim Marshall (2/3/1936 - 3/24/10) 🙏
Jim shot this beautiful photo of Val. ❤️
#valeriecarter #jimmarshall

Happy Birthday to Chaka Khan! Here's an article on Chaka, Val, and Debbie Harry from Circus Magazine 1977 "Women in Rock" by Scott Cohen
#valeriecarter #chakakhan #debbieharry #circusmagazine #womeninrock #scottcohen

Happy BIrthday to @taddihno! Tadd is a music journalist from Japan who interviewed Val in '96 after the release of "The Way It Is" #valeriecarter #taddigarashi #thewayitis #tokyo

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Forrest George 💔
Thank you Janet Castellano, for sending me this photo.
Thinking of Liz and the rest of the George family today. 🙏❤️
#forrestgeorge #gonetoosoon #lowellgeorge #elizabethgeorge #inarageorge

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Eddie Money 🙏❤️
Here's Eddie and Val on "Let's Be Lovers Again" from his "Playing for Keeps" album engineered and produced by Ron Nevison and Mike Clink #eddiemoney #valeriecarter #bothgonetoosoon

Happy Birthday to John Sebastian! Val adored John, as you can see here in this clip from the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock when he surprised her on stage. He and Lowell wrote "Face of Appalachia" from Val's "Stone's Throw" album. Howdy Moon opened for John in the mid-70s, and John and Val were the voices of Daniel and Jan Mouse in the 70s cult classic animated film "The Devil and Daniel Mouse," which John wrote all the songs for. Happy Birthday, John. I wish Val was here to tell you herself. Thank you for the music. 🙏❤️
#johnsebastian #valeriecarter #lowellgeorge #thedevilanddanielmouse #justastonesthrowaway #howdymoon #happybirthday

Remembering Eric Carnen who we lost just one year ago. 😢💔
Here's Val with Eric, Brenda Russell, Jeff Porcaro, Mike Porcaro, David Paich, Danny Kortchmar, Richie Zito, Jai Winding, Paulinho da Costa, Brian Russell, Donny Gerard, and Samantha Sang on " Baby I Need Your Lovin" from Eric's "Change of Heart" album recorded at the Sound Factory and engineered by Greg Ladani and Dennis Kirk and produced by Eric. #valeriecarter #ericcarmen #gonetoosoon

Happy Birthday to the one and only James Taylor! Thank you for giving a young Val a chance on "Angry Blues' and continuing to love and support her throughout the years. Here's what she had to say about her first show with you: "I remember that after that one show, there was a question as to who was going to get kept, because that show was the first test. So I was really very nervous about whether or not it was going to work out for me to go on and be with them for the rest of the summer. Finally I got word that I should show up for rehearsals, and I was very, very excited. And I remember during rehearsals that Peter Asher and Don Grolnick and James would all look at each other, and they would start laughing when we [four singers] started singing because it was just right. It was really right, the four voices couldn’t have been sweeter together. And we’ve just gotten closer and closer and become this very important family to one another over these years." Thank you, James 🙏 Happy Birthday ❤️#jamestaylor @jamestaylor_com #valeriecarter @viedekatemarkowitz #katemarkowitz #davidlasley #arnoldmcculler #dorianholley

Happy Birthday to the marvelous Liz George! 😍❤️
#valeriecarter #elizabethgeorge #lowellgeorge

Please join me in wishing a very Happy Birthday to Kaz Sakamoto! Kaz brought us Val's "Live in Tokyo" CD with Yoshiyuki Sahashi which we are pleased to announce will be coming out on vinyl. Thank you, Kaz 🙏
Here is "Blessings in Disguise," written by Tom Snow. #valeriecarter #yoshiyukisahashi #kazsakamoto #tomsnow

8 years ago today, we lost one of the sweetest souls on this earth. I miss her more than words can express, so this year I thought I would let others do the talking. Here are a few quotes:
Linda Ronstadt:
"It is such a thrill to sing with someone this incredible."
James Taylor: "You'd hear it said time and again: "How can such a big sound come from such a delicate, diminutive creature?" "Where does it come from?" For sure, it's a mystery, but Valerie was an old soul and as deep as a well. Her voice came from her life, and her life was a steep, rocky road. I believe that we can hear it whenever the music is that crucial, when the song is saving someone's life. We were the lucky ones who worked (played) with Valerie Carter over the long arc of her creative career; we got the best of her love... "
Jackson Browne: "I adored Valerie and always thought she was one of the most soulful, stirring singers. She was very, very sunny and had this fantastic smile. She was beautiful. Love needs a heart, trusting and blind—I wish that heart was mine. I really wouldn't have come up with that. She was brilliant."
Liz George: "She was this tiny little thing with a huge voice and so soulful. I remember when we were living in this tiny place in Hollywood that would have been called servants quarters. Lowell had set up a multitude of tape recorders. He made this recording of her that sounded like a Japanese flute. That's when I first realized how talented she was."
Shawn Colvin: "The first time I heard her, all I wanted was to sing like THAT, and I tried, but no one ever will. Love you, Val."
Kate Markowitz: "I remember being a teenager driving along Pacific Coast Hwy in Los Angeles when I heard Ooh Ooh Child on the radio. I pulled over because I just had to stop and listen. The next day I drove to Tower Records and bought her album. I miss her humor more than anything."
Larry John McNally: "I wish Valerie and I were out doing shows together now. What fun that would be. Love to you Valerie wherever you are "
Steve Lukather: "RIP Valerie Carter. She was an amazing talent and a very sweet girl. One-of-a-kind voice"
#valeriecarter #oohchild #gonetoosoon Photo: Sam Emerson

It's been 2 years since we lost Jeffrey Young and David Lindley. Here they both are with Jackson and Val from Jackson's 1994 "I'm Alive" Tour along with Fritz Lewak, Mark Goldenberg, Kevin McCormick, Scott Thurston, Luis Conte, and Jennifer Warnes
🙏💔🙏 #valeriecarter #jacksonbrowne #jeffyoung #davidlindley

Happy Birthday to John Vester! 🎂🍾💕
Here's Val on "Spanish Moss" from John's 1998 CD "My Heart is in Your Hands" with Kate Markowitz, Greg Leisz, Lee Ann Harris, Joel Hamilton, Michael Sherwood and engineered by Steve Deutsch #valeriecarter #johnvester

We lost Mama Dot Carter 4 years ago today, Valentine's Day. Here's a song Val wrote with Tom Jans about Dot, a true Southern Belle. Thinking of Jan today. 💔🙏 #valeriecarter #dotcarter #southernbelles

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Tom Jans, who we lost in 1984 at just 36. Lowell and Val's "Cowboy Angel" is about him, and Tom Waits dedicated "Whistle Down the Wind" to him. Here's Tom and Val on "Back on My Feet Again." ❤️🙏💔#valeriecarter #tomjans

From last Valentine's Day, but we still have a few vinyls left at www.valeriecarter.com where you can download as well!
❤️ #valeriecarter #faragherbrothers @jeremyzombie

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