Valaida Snow was born on June 2, 1904, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, into a musically inclined family. Her mother, Etta, was a music teacher educated at Howard University, and her father, John, was a minister and leader of the Pickaninny Troubadours, a group of child performers. Raised in a show-business environment, Snow began performing at the age of five with her father's troupe. By age 15, she had mastered several instruments, including the trumpet, violin, and saxophone, and was also a singer and dancer.

Snow's career took off in 1921 when she joined the revue Holiday in Dixieland. Her talent on the trumpet earned her the nickname "Little Louis," after Louis Armstrong, and "Queen of the Trumpet," a title given by W. C. Handy. She gained national recognition in 1922 and toured extensively in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Despite the challenges faced by female musicians, Snow captivated audiences worldwide with her performances.

In 1924, she appeared in the musical Chocolate Dandies alongside Josephine Baker, marking her Broadway debut. Snow's international acclaim grew in the 1930s, particularly in London and Paris, where she recorded her hit song "High Hat, Trumpet, and Rhythm." She continued to perform globally, sharing stages with jazz greats like Count Basie and Fletcher Henderson.

Snow's life was marked by her flamboyant personality and eccentric style, often seen traveling in an orchid-colored Mercedes with her pet monkey. Despite her international success, she struggled to achieve the same level of fame in the United States. Valaida Snow passed away on May 30, 1956, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary talent and determination.