
Born an only child to John and Tina Valerio in Phoenixville, PA, John had a normal upbringing. Catholic elementary school turned to public high school, but not before John was exposed to the world of golf. John was a naturally talented golfer, thanks to his father.
Playing on the Phoenixville Phantom golf team and being very successful, John took the next logical step and headed to Coastal Carolina University, to pursue a professional golf career. Low and behold, walking in to a pawn shop would change him from the cart path to the music track. $150 invested in a guitar, and no money spent on lessons, John began teaching himself to play. Every free chance he had, John was in his dorm room learning his new craft. His poor roommate! Friends offered a few pointers, and cordial jam sessions turned in to the occasional open mic, which eventually snowballed to low paying gigs. John's passion evolved quickly from golf to music.
Tragedy struck in the fall of 2005, when John's father passed away at the age of 45, losing his battle with cancer. The constant, strong, and most influential person in John's life was no longer there. The father and son bond that they so strongly shared was gone, forever. Golf didn't have the same meaning to John anymore.
Life in the golf business slowly became second hand to John's music career. The personal gratification he received from performing was incomparable to anything else he has ever experienced. To pursue anything else never again crossed his mind.
In the summer of 2006 John graduated and headed home in hopes that his music career would flourish. Shortly after his return he was able to secure enough work as a musician to focus solely on following his passion for playing, performing, and recording his first EP, Here Right Now.
