Release

Valerie June Pays Tribute to Little Richard and Sister Rosetta Tharpe in New ‘Strange Things Happening Every Day’ Music Video

Published February 1, 2024

Valerie June, a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Jackson, Tennessee, has released a new music video for her rendition of the song ‘Strange Things Happening Every Day.’ June’s voice and dynamic presence not only pay homage to the past but also pave the way for musical innovation. Through her latest offering, she celebrates two iconic figures of rock 'n' roll: Little Richard and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Remembering Legends

The video showcases June's interpretation of Tharpe’s song and includes never-before-seen footage from the Grammy-nominated documentary Little Richard: I Am Everything. The documentary delves into the life and legacy of Little Richard, a pivotal figure in the evolution of music. June's performance in the video is a heartfelt tribute to both Little Richard and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the underrecognized pioneers who pushed boundaries within the music world and whose influence permeates various forms of art and culture.

Unveiling the Roots of Rock 'n' Roll

Valerie June emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'strange things' - the roots of American music - which continue to inspire new generations of creativity. As she covers ‘Strange Things Happening Every Day,’ she breathes new life into the sounds that defined an era, using her voice and an electric guitar to evoke the early days of rock music. June’s performance is vibrant, infusing the past with contemporary energy and making the legacies of Little Richard and Sister Rosetta Tharpe resonate with modern audiences.

Bringing Magic to the Present

June’s music video is more than a revival of a classic tune; it is a showcase of how historical sounds can spark present-day inspiration. Her interpretation honors the original magic while drawing in viewers to the miraculous and serendipitous nature of creativity. The energy and reverence that Valerie June brings to her performance make her the ideal artist to carry forward the torch of musical pioneers such as Little Richard and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

tribute, rock, influence