Keeping up with the Johnsons is like keeping up with the Kardashians – almost impossible. Since Ava Johnson was a small child she had big plans and even bigger dreams of becoming a famous singer and she is well on her way today.
The year has just started and the Johnson family has hit the floor running. On Feb. 26 Ava received a citation from Representative Jim Grego and then was given a standing ovation on the House floor by the Oklahoma House of Representatives for her accomplishments which include:
• Making history in 2019 at age 12 for winning “Best Independent Recording By A New Artist” at the Native American Music Awards
• Two time “Next Gen Under 30” Oklahoma award recipient in 2021 and 2023
• Having her song “There’s a Boy” chart at #2 on the SiriusXM Indigenous Music Countdown “I am beyond grateful and honored to be recognized on the House floor by Representative Jim Grego,” Ava said. “The outpouring of support was amazing!”
A few days later, Ava was singing the National Anthem for the OSSAA Championship Basketball State Tournament game on March 2. This was her fifth year to make it to “The Big House.”
Last year was a whirlwind of events for this Osage and Cherokee native who only turned seventeen years old on Dec. 5 and is a sophomore at Kinta High School.
“I had an amazing time in 2023. I opened for Karen Mills, sang the National Anthem at Eastern Oklahoma State College, at the OSSAA State Basketball Championship and for Congressman Josh Brecheen,” Ava said. “I’ve performed for the local Plumb Theater Gospel Music Show and was the Dealer for the Poker Run at Twin Mountains. I also sang at Wreaths Across America, Reunion Days, District 6 Choctaw Veterans Banquet and Palms Fantasy Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I have sung at River Spirit Casino’s ‘The Cove’ for the Tribal Self Governance. This is where I met United States Treasure Marilynn Malerba, who was the first Native American to serve in this role, and she told me she was a fan of my music. I was so stoked!
“I’ve also performed at The Lookout Kitchen at Sequoyah State Park and had a great time singing at the venue, Nashville to New Mexico, in Eagle Nest, New Mexico again. Plus I recorded my new single in Nashville with Billy Dawson and shot my music video for ‘Sweet Home Oklahoma.’
“Toward the end of the year, I was at the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace, Kansas and attended the luncheon at the Oklahoma State Capitol for Next GEN Under 30 recipients where I won my second Next Gen Under 30 Award in the arts category.
“I’ve also sung at the Patriot Hill Ranch Grand Opening and performed the National Anthem for the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA, while staying true to my local areas too by performing at Lights on Eufaula, the Native American Christmas Market in Glenpool, Wilburton Christmas Parade and Wreaths Across America Christmas/New Year.
“Between school activities and performing I stay busy year round and love every minute of it.”
Of course, receiving a citation from the Oklahoma House and singing at OSSAA are just the beginning for 2024 for Ava. She has several performances already scheduled for this year and many in the making.
On Saturday, March 30, Ava will be performing at The Basin Park at 1:30 p.m. in Eureka Springs, AR, at the Celebrate Jesus Weekend Music in the Park.
On May 4 she will be performing at the Freedom Family Fun Festival in Muskogee. Then in September she will be singing at Eufaula’s Wine and Art Festival and will perform at Oktoberfest in October at the McAlester Expo.
Ava will also perform at Wreath Across America again this year, as well as travel to Nashville to work on her songwriting and recordings.
To keep up with the Johnsons, go to Ava Rose Johnson’s social media pages.
