TULSA, Okla. — Valarie Harding’s voice has always been a force — from the church pews of Muskogee to the national spotlight of NBC’s The Voice. Now, Tulsa’s own soul singer is returning to the city’s biggest cultural stage: opening for headliner Tobe Nwigwe at the 5th annual Black Wall Street Legacy Fest on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Guided by John Legend, Rooted in Black Wall Street Legacy
Harding first rose to national prominence in 2022 on The Voice Season 22, earning chair turns from John Legend and Gwen Stefani with her stunning rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Giving Him Something He Can Feel.” She ultimately joined Team Legend, where she showcased a vocal style rooted in gospel power and Oklahoma soul.
“John Legend is so cool. He is so down-to-earth. He’s just an amazing person. He told me… when you leave here, take what you learn and bring it back to your community,” Valarie Harding told The Black Wall Street Times.
On Saturday, May 31st, Harding’s homegrown journey hits a new peak. As the opening act for internationally acclaimed artist Tobe Nwigwe, she will help set the tone for Legacy Fest’s main stage — a night dedicated to honoring the last two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, those who built the Greenwood Community, known as Black Wall Street and the countless descendants that continue sustaining its spirit today.
“Every time I’m down here on Black Wall Street and I sing, I want our ancestors to feel what we are doing—to let them know we are still here, trying to fight through music, fighting to keep this area alive,” Valarie told The Black Wall Street Times.
WallStreet Band and Beyond: Valarie Harding has a Legacy Forged on Tulsa Stages
Long before her TV debut, Harding had already become a Tulsa mainstay. In 2004, she co-founded the WallStreet Band with her husband and guitarist Parry Harding. Together, they built WallStreet Entertainment and Sound, providing live music and event production services throughout the region. Locally, her name carries weight — regularly headlining sold-out shows at venues like LowDown and Retro Grill and Bar.
For audiences old and new, Valarie Harding’s Black Wall Street Legacy Fest performance will be more than a set. It’ll be a celebration of resilience — and a reminder that some of Tulsa’s brightest stars are truly homegrown.
Stay ahead of industry trends with our coverage of emerging technologies, software updates, and accessibility features that might otherwise fly under the radar. Follow Bitrisepro.com for timely alerts on exclusive deals, price drops, and limited-time offers that deliver maximum value for your tech budget.