MARY JANE GIRLS

Val Young, also known as "Lady V," was born in Detroit, Michigan, gained popularity as an American recording artist during the 1980s, and caught the attention of funk musician George Clinton. Val provided background vocals for renowned artists such as The Gap Band, George Clinton, The P-Funk, and Roy Ayers. However, it was not until the 1980s that Pop Funk superstar Rick James noticed her beauty and musical talent. He promoted Val as the "Black Marilyn Monroe" and signed her to Motown Records. With Rick co-producing Val's debut album, Seduction, was released in 1985 and became her first gold album. The album featured some of her biggest hits like "Mind Games," "Piece of My Heart," and "If You Should Ever Be Lonely." Val's second album, Private Conversations, was released with Amherst Records and included three songs produced by Rick James. Today, her walls are lined with numerous gold and platinum discs in lieu of her many musical credits. One of the first ladies of music to write and produce, Val Young has greats like Mariah Carey and Tupac Shakur to thank for keeping her on lockdown in the hip-hop world. One of her most notable collaborations was with the late Tupac Shakur on "To Live & Die in LA," with whom she had a very special working relationship. Val has also worked with the original members of Rufus, which included Kevin Murphy and Tony Maiden. After her success, Val has been supported by a long list of musical friends, including Rick James, QDill, Gerald LeVert, Roy Ayers, Teena Marie, Waymen Tisdale, P-Funk, Deborah Cox, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Bobby Brown, Yo-Yo, Too Short, Bobby Womack, Kidd Frost, Charlie Wilson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sly Stone, Bootsy Collins, Ray Parker Junior, The Mary Jane Girls, Kevin Murphy, Tony Maiden, Tupac Shakur, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Miki Howard, Warren G, Nate Dogg, Dr. Dre, Keith Sweat, Eddie Griffin, Binky Womack, El DeBarge, Tone Loc, Bad Azz, The Gap Band, Mack 10, Nas, The Outlawz, Michael Bivins & The Eastcoast Family, Johnny Gill, Raphael Saadiq, Yukmouth, Tam Rock, Slave, The Brothers Johnson, and her dear brother Eddie Murphy.

 Candice "Candi" Ghant, from Detroit, Michigan, earned her first exclusive Artist & Writers contract with Motown Records at the young age of 19. She then relocated to Los Angeles, which led to her joining the all-female group Softtouch with Fantasy Records, formed by Billy Henderson of The Spinners. After a brief stint with Softtouch, Candi tried out for Motown's "King of Punk Funk" Rick James, and went on to become the second Mary Jane Girl, securing her place as one of the Princesses of Funk. Candi has spent time recording background vocals for an array of artists, including Ice Cube, Rappin' 4-Tay, Kidd Frost, Baby Bash, Mixmasters, Binky Womack, Mack 10, N2Deep, Kurtis Blow, Latino Velvet, K-Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Val Young, Rick James, Peabo Bryson, Bootsy Collins, Phred Mosbey, Smokey Robinson, Janie Bradford, Klymaxx, Ron Tyson, Johnny Bristol, Bobby Brown, Paul Jackson Jr., Jack Ashford, Hunk Cosby, Ray Parker Jr., Drak from Slave, Wokie Steward, Sylvia "Trippy" Smith, Marilyn McLeod, and Waymen Tisdale. She has also appeared on various soundtracks, including A Fine Mess (1986), Boyz in The Hood (Ice Cube), True to The Game, Indigo Blues, "Missin U" with Phred Mosbey, Anutha Music Company, and Treat Her Like A Lady (Gospel Play) featuring Hawthorne James aka Big Red from the Five Heartbeats, where she also served as the Assistant Music Director for the background vocals in the play. In addition, Candi found time to produce for FLOSS, former Ladies of the Supremes featuring Ollie Woodson, Latino Alliance including Baby Bash and Kid Frost, the infamous Mobb Squad with Larry Darrell, Thin C. & Lady V, and "Christmas Song" with Vanessa Bell Calloway.

Farah Melanson is a talented singer from Los Angeles, California. She pursued a music major at Los Angeles Valley College and is proficient in playing a variety of instruments like the violin, bass, clarinet, cello, and flute. Farah has collaborated with several artists in the industry, such as The Mary Jane Girls featuring Val Young, New Birth, and Jon B. She has also had the privilege of recording alongside Barry White, Grady Harrell, and the 3 Elvis Sued. Farah has worked with esteemed groups like The Buck Ram Platters and The Marvelettes. In addition, Farah has been a part of Val Young and Candi Ghant's team of The Mary Jane Girls for over ten years.

You may also enjoy these amazing upcoming shows!

Fri-Sat Dec 1-2: Eric Roberson

Wed Dec 13: Nzuri Soul: Christmas in Egypt

Thu Dec 14: Zo! & Tall Black Guy