In the 1990s, Bobby Valentino was part of the teen vocal group Mista, which found a hit tune in "Blackberry Molasses."
Now Valentino's gone solo, with a self-titled CD and a single, "Slow Down," that's already topped the R&B charts.
Valentino says he gets inspired by classic soul stirrers such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and the Isley Brothers.
Ed Gordon talks with Valentino about his burgeoning career and his soulful influences.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.