Val grew up in the Midwest listening to the Beatles, Elvis, and the Momas and the Papas, but also to the deep, lush female voices of Anne Murray and Karen Carpenter. Her major musical influences include Bruce Springsteen because of the contrasting styles and issues he is not afraid to confront.

She picked up a guitar at age eight and has never put it down. As much as she loves to write, she is driven to continue by a force unknown to her! With “insightful lyrics and catchy melodies…” (Blue Note publication, Columbia), her songs are open-ended and transcend not only time, but the emotions of her listeners. They are made more enjoyable by her vocals, which invite attention of their own.

Val has entertained in Kansas City, St. Louis, and all over the Midwest. She enjoys performing at universities and colleges, including William Woods University, Stephens College, the University of Missouri, and Washington University –St Louis.  Solo, and with The Val Goodrich Band, Val has performed for several years at Earth Day, the Heritage Festival, Twilight Festival, First Night, and the Festival of The Arts in Columbia.

She has a five-song cassette available and is excited about being included on the 10 o’clock News Compilation CD to benefit R.A.I.N. (98.3 KFMZ) along with Colony, Del Alma, and the Bottlerockets.

As a teacher of young children, Val is proud to introduce music as a hands-on experience that many have taken with them into more formal education. As a musician, her objectives are to share the music and her thoughts with those who can say they’ve been there.