Valerie Naranjo, born October 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, is an American percussionist, vocalist, and musicologist. She began playing percussion and singing at a young age, later studying piano in high school. Naranjo's career advanced significantly after moving to New York City, where she performed with artists like David Byrne and the Paul Winter Consort. In 1988, she joined the Philip Glass Ensemble for European tours until 1993. Her work on Broadway production The Lion King (1996) and her role in the Saturday Night Live Band in 1995 further established her career. Naranjo has released several albums including Orenda - Native America Music to Heal the Spirit (2000) and Da Yillena (Wood that Sings) (2002). She was named World Music Percussionist of the Year in 2005 and 2008 by Drum! magazine and inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2011.
