Valentino Gray
Singer/Songwriter
Born June 15, 1987 in Kansas City Missouri, Valentino Larue Gray is the youngest of three brothers. At the age of four, he, his mother, and two brothers moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they resided with his great aunt and uncle. Valentino attended Clarke Street Elementary where he quickly realized he had a knack for music. Living with his older great aunt and uncle exposed him to the soulful oldies that most of his peers did not partake in. By the age of seven, he was heavily involved in and fascinated by the arts.
Valentino's childhood presented him with many obstacles. A singer herself, Valentino's mother was diagnosed with a mental illness. This was followed by drug and alcohol abuse, which eventually took a toll on Valentino. He turned to music as a way to cope with his pain. Sam Cook, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Tupac, and Nas became the melodic voices that told his story through their own exceptional lyrics.
At the age of 14, Valentino was accepted into Milwaukee High School of the Arts. He majored in visual arts and was exposed to a different side of music throughout his tenure there. Life at home was still difficult, so Valentino began to hustle to put extra money in his pockets. By the age of 15 he found himself deep enough in the streets to be shot during a confrontation with a neighborhood clique he had been feuding with. To complicate matters further, Valentino learned at the age of 17 that he was going to be a father. Looking for ways to provide for his family, Valentino turned to more criminal activity and found himself sentenced to three years in prison.
Released in June of 2008, Valentino vowed to provide for his family the right way. He found a job one month later at a non-profit organization where he works with at risk youth and runs the music department. He has also done volunteer work for Campaign Against Violence and in February 2009 he was profiled by Beverly Taylor of Fox 6 News as one of many young black men making positive strides in the community.
"Everything I went through in my life prepared me for these moments. Prison, although the worst years of my life, was the only thing at the time that could catch my attention long enough for me to realize what truly mattered most. People need a voice to tell their story. If only one person will be affected enough by my music to change, then I have fulfilled my purpose!"
Ladies and Gentlemen. Mr. Valentino Gray, he's got NEXT!!!!!!!!
FOR BOOKING INFORMATION:
Phone: 414.544.2770
Email: valentino.gray17_gmail.com
Facebook: Search: Valentino Gray
BACK
TO PURCHASE TICKETS CALL 414.659.0903
