Ross Lamont Valory (born February 2, 1949)[1] is an American musician who is best known as the original bass player for the rock band Journey from 1973 to 1985 and again from 1995 to 2020.

[6] He was joined by guitarist David Denny, drummer Jack King and bassist Bobby Winkelman, all of whom would become members of the Steve Miller Band.

[7] It was Jim Nixon, the manager of Frumious Bandersnatch, who would introduce Valory to Journey band members, along with Prairie Prince, later of The Tubes who originally sat in on drums.

Though he returned to the band when they reformed in 1995,[10] Valory was dismissed from Journey again in 2020, with Jackson replacing him once again on the album.

Valory recorded Escape with an Ovation Magnum II, used a Peavey and a Steinberger for Frontiers, and a Fender Jazz up until the Departure album.