In the early 1980s she fronted The Watermelon String Band, a bluegrass ensemble led by the banjoist Bruno Guaitamacchi that performed in the Milan clubs circuit.
Stucchi was discovered at age 20 by the Italo producer Roberto Gasparini, who launched her solo career and gave her the stage name Valerie Dore to improve her international appeal.
The second single, "King Arthur," enjoyed moderate success in Europe, and Dore was invited to perform on the Italian music program Discoring.
Dore was aided in the studio by German producer Ralph Ruppert and collaborated with musicians Nick Beggs (of Kajagoogoo fame) and Mark Price.
Dore considered recording an album in Madagascar but she couldn't find support for the project in the music industry and eventually decided against the idea.