Known as the Bluegrass voice of New England, mandolin player Joe Val had a day job as a typewriter repairman. However, Bluegrass music was his great love and he performed with several bands such as The Radio Rangers, The Berkshire Mountain Boys and The New England Bluegrass Boys. He also collaborated with Bluegrass royalty like the Lilly Brothers and Bill Monroe, and also worked with folk icon Joan Baez. He tragically passed away in 1985 from cancer just as he was emerging nationally with plans to tour full time.

Today, Joe Val is fondly remembered as one of the icons of Americana Music with a multi-day festival that draws thousands of fans. In 1995, the International Bluegrass Music Association posthumously awarded Joe Val an “Award of Merit” for his contributions to Bluegrass Music. You can hear the music of Joe Val on Pickin' on WHRV Sunday night at 7:00 on 89.5 FM and streaming online.

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