Sam Valenti ’98 at Cranbrook Art Museum

Over the course of the evening, Sam reflected on Ghostly’s journey from a dorm room project to a global creative collective recognized by The New York Times for “transcending its record label roots to sell an ethos.” He explored the intersections of music, design, technology, and branding—drawing connections from surrealism and modernism to Factory Records, AI, and Detroit’s rich musical heritage.

Sam also spoke warmly about his years at Cranbrook Schools, recalling how he was encouraged to explore many different pursuits, including athletics. In the end, it was his creative side that captured his focus. With encouragement from faculty and peers, and through collaborations with classmates who translated his ideas into striking visual posters for his DJ gigs, he deepened his passion for music. By the time he reached college, he was already DJing regularly and knew he wanted to be part of the music industry. While still a student, he launched Ghostly, a record label that would later grow into Ghostly International—today recognized worldwide for its roster of artists and designers and celebrated by The New York Times for “transcending its record label roots to sell an ethos.” 

Several of Sam’s classmates were in attendance, including Daniel Noujaim ’98, Mary Kleinpell Martella ’98, and Chris Martella ’97, a reminder of the lasting connections forged at Cranbrook Schools.