Joseph F. Valentine Sr.

Joseph F. Valentine, Sr., was born on February 3, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the eldest son of the late Joseph F. and Myrtle K. Valentine of Reserve, Louisiana.Joe was born into a musical family with a history that dated back many years. His grandfather, Peter Valentine, played trumpet with a Dixie Land Band and his uncle, Kid Valentine, played music at Preservation Hall in New Orleans and toured the world with his musical talents.As a child, Joe started his solo career at the tender age of 5 by singing and playing piano in kindergarten. He grew into a prolific songwriter, producer, promoter and club owner.Joe learned his technique while working as a side man in New Orleans. He played with some noted lock artists like Ottis Scott, Sweet Wine, Jimmy Jules, and Ernest Dent. He also went on to play with some of the hottest names in show business like James Brown, Joe Simon, Ray Charles and Jackie Wilson. Joe was band leader for the Joe Tex Review for two years. His main instrument was keyboards but he also played a mean saxophone and other instruments.During his early career, he traveled the world before finally settling in Austin, Texas, in 1967 and starting his own band, Joe Valentine and the Imperials. He was the owner of several clubs in the area, the most recent being the 311 Club on Austin’s famed 6th Street.Joe is preceded in death by his son, Leslie; parents, Joseph and Myrtle Valentine; and brother, Anthony F. Valentine. He leaves to cherish his memory, his partner, Sue Arledge; his children; and a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of others whose lives he touched in a multitude of ways.The family will welcome visitors on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 5pm to 7pm, Fuller-Sheffield Funeral Home, 2808 E MLK Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702. Pending funeral services to follow in Reserve, LA.