Valerie June Shares Acoustic Version Of “Why The Bright Stars Glow” Featuring Mavis Staples

From “Gorgeous” (Rolling Stone) Album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers

2022 Headlining Tour Dates Announced

“One Of The Albums Of The Year” (The Times UK)

Today, Valerie June shares “Why The Bright Stars Glow (Moon And Stars / Acoustic),” a heartfelt rework of the song that forms the emotional core of her acclaimed 2021 album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreams featuring additional vocals from the incomparable Mavis Staples. “I celebrate bringing the theme of The Moon and Stars full circle with this powerful collaboration” says June. “Our planetary luminescent oracle, Mavis Staples, reminds us that every soul matters and every life has a gift that can uplift the planet. We see through this song that dreams really do come true if we are willing to put in the energy and patiently wait.”

Listen here.

The collaboration with Mavis Staples puts the exclamation mark on a banner year for Valerie June. The Moon and Stars has been a critical smash, receiving praise on both sides of the Atlantic from the likes of NPR, Pitchfork, The Guardian and so many more. Rolling Stone and SPIN both named the album one of the Best Of 2021 so far. June was featured on the cover of Bitter Southerner’s first-ever print magazine, was profiled by The New York Times, performed at the Kennedy Center alongside Angelique Kidjo and Estelle for the Black Women Breaking Ground celebration, and even illustrated and published a book of poetry titled Maps For The Modern World.

Earlier this week, Valerie June announced her 2022 headlining tour dates – see below for full routing or visit https://valeriejune.com/#tour

Last month, as part of the Americana Music Awards — where she was up for both Song Of The Year and Album Of The Year — June performed “Call Me A Fool” alongside another hero and legend, Carla Thomas. Watch that here.

Watch a performance of “Smile” for Jimmy Kimmel Live! here.

Check out the official music video for the Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, John Legend) produced “Call Me A Fool” here.

Also, make sure you watch the original visualizer for “Why The Bright Stars Glow” here.

Keep an eye out for more from Valerie June soon.

Praise For Valerie June and The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers

“This stunning song cycle of redemption and reclamation adds an orchestral-pop sheen to June’s gorgeous blend of astral folk and meditative R&B.” — Rolling Stone

"The Moon & Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, the introspective, quietly hopeful album she made more than a year ago, sounds just right in 2021." — The New York Times

“A breathtaking record.” — NPR

“The moment speaks for June on The Moon and Stars, simultaneously marveling at all the wonders that are out there, and at the truth that all you need is one good thing right here.” — Pitchfork

“A stunning concept album that shows how far June has evolved from her early days as a folk artist.” — The Guardian

“One of the albums of the year.” — The Times (UK)

“A psychedelic tour de force.” — Uncut

"One of Americana music’s most gifted and eclectic performers...her inimitable style, captivating voice, and emotive writing make for an enticing blend.” — New York Magazine

“Dylan touted Tennessean conjures up a country-soul fantasia.” — MOJO

“Well worth the wait—a magical, country-soul offering.” — Essence

Upcoming Tour Dates

Sat Nov 20 – Princeton, NJ – McCarter Theatre Center

Sat Jan 22 – Austin, TX – ACL @ Moody Theater

Sat Jan 29 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

The Moon & Stars Tour

Thu Mar 31 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox

Fri Apr 01 – Vancouver, BC – The Commodore Ballroom

Sat Apr 02 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater

Sun Apr 03 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater

Tue Apr 05 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore