He’s won numerous awards for his musical talents. He’s performed alongside Kalapana, Henry Kapono, and Bruno Mars. He’s John Bayot, known professionally as Johnny Valentine. For the past 45 years and counting, Valentine has dedicated his life to music, spreading aloha through the power of song.
Now, he’s bringing his talents to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra by opening its Kaimana Hapa Series. We caught up with Valentine to talk story about his musical journey and what this performance means to him.
Budding teacher to professional musician
Valentine went to college with plans to become a teacher. But he’d always been naturally talented at music, so he eventually became a guitar tutor. Once a professor heard him sing, Valentine was able to get a vocal scholarship to pay for school. “Then, my friend and I started playing together and we were discovered by an agency,” he says. “Little did I know, he was a big shot in the industry. He told us we’d be working full time within the month. And he was right!”
A career of melodies and memories
While he’s a skilled singer and guitar player, Valentine is truly an all-around gifted entertainer. He won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Hawaii’s Favorite Entertainer of the Year in 2018. “I never thought about entering before, but my wife entered me,” he says. “And winning the Hoku was one of the turning points of my life because it’s voted by the people. It was such an honor.”
Valentine has released more than 25 albums, spent 10 years performing with Kalapana, nine years with Henry Kapono, and performed with Arnel Pineda from Journey at the Blaisdell. “He called me up and asked me to play lead guitar for a concert for his foundation,” Valentine says. “It was surprising because usually I’m the guy behind the scenes.”
A meaningful inspiration
Though he does spend some time behind the scenes in the recording studio as a music producer, there’s no doubt that Valentine is a seasoned performer. In 1985, he joined the band the Love Notes with Pete “Dr. Doo Wop” Hernandez, who would go on to marry Valentine’s sister, Bernie. You may have heard of their son, Bruno Mars, who’s also in the music industry (to put it mildly).
Valentine remembers when the Love Notes performed in Tokyo. “It was supposed to be for three weeks,” he says. “But we were so popular, they kept extending our shows. We ended up in Japan for three months.” They flew in the entire family, including Bruno, to watch the shows. “Something sparked inside of him,” Valentine says. “He was inspired. He wanted me to teach him the Elvis moves. He saw my life as an entertainer and said, ‘I want what you have.’”
The healing power of music
Interestingly, Valentine’s goal was never to be famous. “I just wanted to play music,” he says, “and pay the bills and my mortgage.” But his talent had a way of finding its way to an audience and as a result, Valentine touched countless lives.
During the pandemic, he knew local musicians were struggling since they couldn’t perform due to lockdowns. “I invited bands and artists to stream live with me,” Valentine says. “They gained new fans from around the world while helping those fans feel connected during a time of isolation.”
And studies show that music can boost mood and improve well-being. “I’ve had pastors and priests tell me that I helped their parishioners get through times of loneliness and depression,” Valentine says. “To hear that my music has a positive impact on people is incredible.”
In 2011, he was one of the first people to volunteer to sing to patients in the hospital. “I went around the trauma unit signing and hopefully lifting spirits,” Valentine says. “I would also play the ukulele and sing soft ballads to the babies. The doctors said it made a difference to the patients and the staff.”
An evening at the symphony
Valentine’s fans are so loyal that they’ll check his website and plan their vacation around his shows. His next performance is on Nov. 16 with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, where he’ll be opening the 2024/25 Kaimana Hapa Symphony series. This performance is extra meaningful because it’s truly a family affair.
Part of the show repertoire will include two original songs with lyrics by Johnny’s wife, Chris. Valentine’s older son, Jesse, will play lead guitar and their youngest son Daniel also composed and arranged a song, “Forever and One.”
“Daniel has a master’s degree in music and won an Emmy for cowriting and producing a song for an ad for Lebron James’ foundation,” Valentine says. ”The song touches on themes of love, resilience, and healing. The words and melody are in perfect marriage. When Daniel sent it to me, I cried. I hope it resonates with the audience, too.”
For more information about the Valentines’ show with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, visit their website. To see what’s next for Johnny Valentine, visit his website or follow him on Facebook or Instagram.
Photos courtesy Lawrence Tabudlo
