In the world of music, certain stories are lost in time, waiting to be rediscovered. One such story revolves around Valentino, a Motown artist whose trailblazing work set the stage for future LGBTQ+ representation in music. Despite the scarcity of information about Valentino, his contribution to music history, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, is significant and deserving of recognition.
Valentino: A Pioneer of LGBTQ+ Representation in Music
Valentino, an enigmatic figure in Motown’s history, emerged in the mid-1970s with a record that broke new ground. In 1975, Valentino released a track under the legendary Motown label that would become the first openly gay-themed record. While Motown was known for producing hits that transcended racial and cultural boundaries, Valentino’s record was unique in its unabashed celebration of same-sex love, a theme that was still taboo in mainstream media at the time.
The two articles from The Advocate in 1975 and 1976 provide a rare glimpse into Valentino’s life and the groundbreaking nature of his work. These articles highlight the courage it took to produce such a record during a period when the LGBTQ+ community faced significant discrimination and hostility. Valentino’s music was not just a declaration of his identity, but also a bold statement that challenged the music industry’s norms.
Carl Bean and the Legacy of “I Was Born This Way”
Valentino’s pioneering work did not exist in isolation. Another key figure who followed in his footsteps was Carl Bean, a gospel singer turned disco artist. In 1977, Bean recorded a cover of Valentino’s song “I Was Born This Way” under Motown’s label. Bean’s version of the song became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within the Black queer community.
Carl Bean’s rendition of “I Was Born This Way” not only carried forward Valentino’s message but amplified it. Bean, an openly gay man and later a minister, used his music as a platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. His version of the song was more than just a cover; it was a declaration of self-acceptance and pride, resonating with countless individuals who were seeking validation of their identity during a time of widespread societal repression.
The Impact and Legacy of Valentino and Carl Bean
The significance of Valentino and Carl Bean’s contributions to music and LGBTQ+ history cannot be overstated. Valentino’s original record marked a critical moment in the representation of LGBTQ+ themes in mainstream music, while Carl Bean’s version of “I Was Born This Way” solidified the song’s place as an enduring anthem for the community.
These artists paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ musicians, offering a template for how music could be used to challenge societal norms and advocate for change. Their work reminds us that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in media has deep roots, with artists like Valentino and Carl Bean leading the charge long before it became mainstream.
As we continue to explore and document the history of LGBTQ+ representation in music, it’s important to remember the contributions of these pioneering artists. Valentino’s record may have been the first, but its impact was amplified by Carl Bean and continues to inspire musicians and activists to this day.
The stories of Valentino and Carl Bean serve as a testament to the power of music as a form of resistance and a means of affirming one’s identity. Though Valentino’s work may not be widely known, it remains a crucial chapter in the history of Motown and the broader narrative of LGBTQ+ representation in the arts.
Listening to the Legacy
Fortunately, both Valentino’s and Carl Bean’s versions of “I Was Born This Way” are accessible today, allowing listeners to experience the pioneering spirit of these artists firsthand. Their music continues to resonate, serving as a reminder that the fight for acceptance and equality in music and beyond is far from over.
Valentino and Carl Bean were indeed born this way—bold, fearless, and unapologetically themselves—and their music remains a powerful testament to the enduring struggle for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.
