Formed 1977 in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
John Valentine
and
William 'Billy' Valentine
From Columbus, Ohio, brothers John and William 'Billy' Valentine first recorded together as The Valentine Brothers in the late 70's, their debut album being the Richard Evans produced 'The Valentine Brothers' for the Source label in 1979.
Billy Valentine had a jazz background with the Young-Holt Unlimited trio and the pair appeared in the touring company of 'The Wiz'.
In 1982 they worked with producer Bobby Lyle on 'First Take', including 'Money's Too Tight To Mention' (later covered by Simply Red, however, I cannot tell you in what!), 'Just Let Me Be Close To You' and 'This Kind Of Love', a release on the Bridge label and somewhat of a cult album on the UK soul scene.
The release of Simply Red's version of 'Money's Too Tight', scuppered the Valentine's chances of success with the track, however, real soul punters are aware of this unfair occurrence.
Their later albums have been 'Have A Good Time' for A & M Records (1984) featuring 'Lonely Nights' and 'Picture This' (1987), featuring 'No Better Love', 'Cutbacks' and 'Starship', for EMI America.
Billy Valentine also co-wrote / produced 'You Make Me Want To Love Again' with Leon Ware for ConFunkShun (also recorded by Vesta Williams).
Albums:
The Valentine Brothers (Source Records 1979)
First Take (Bridge Records 1982)
Have A Good Time (A&M Records 1984)
Picture This (EMI America Records 1987)