Joe Valentine, professional recording artist, musician, and songwriter was born and raised in New Orleans. He cut his first record at the age of 16 with Merit Records, and his involvement in the music industry has been a lifelong achievement. Joe has shared the stage with such greats as Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Joe Simon, Johnny Taylor, Jackie Wilson, Eddie Floyd, and Joe Hinton, to name a few. Joe toured the U.S. and Europe with the late Joe Tex in the early 70's, and later signed on with Jewel Paula Records where he landed a hit song "I Can't Stand To See You Go." Another hit song, "Wheel of Life" was written for Lynn Collins who toured with his band and eventually joined the James Brown Revue. One of the many releases by Joe is his extended play album entitled, "One Night Stand," which is currently receiving national attention. This 2-volume CD set, "Then and Now," is a long awaited collection of Joe's original R&B music. Volume I, "Then" contains 14 of Joe's best songs from the 60's & 70's. Volume II, "Now," has 15 tracks of Joe's great originals from the 80's & 90's.