Multi-instrumentalist songwriter Valerie June is Wednesday’s Artist of the Day on WUMB. June was born in the Memphis area and was raised by a father who worked in music promotions – from secular to gospel – exposing her to a variety of different styles of contemporary black music.

June’s own style of music, which she began developing as a teenager, is a blend of blues, gospel, and Appalachian music – a sound she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”. It continues in a tradition of musical hybrids developed at the crossroads of culture that defines Memphis.

June has worked with a range of artists from Dan Auerbach to Carla Thomas, and Bob Dylan has publicly declared himself a fan of her music.

WUMB will share songs from her catalog throughout the day on Wednesday. Hear the Artist of the Day features each weekday in the 9 AM, noon, 3 PM, and 7 PM hours.