Black Opry alum Denitia just got a big national boost care of Country Music Television.
The Houston-rooted, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, who took part in the Black Opry Residency WXPN hosted last spring with support from the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for 2024.
The award, which seeks to support women in country and fight systemic gender disparity within the industry, was announced this week, and also includes honorees Anne Wilson, Ella Langley, Emily Ann Roberts, HunterGirl, Karley Scott Collins, Kylie Frey, Lauren Watkins, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Tanner Adell, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold and Twinnie.
Denitia’s music reveals melodic stories spanning states, cities, and times. Fusing elements of country, folk and rock, she establishes a newfound American utopia, ongoing and indefinite, uplifted by wistful vocals and the chimes of a tambourine. With her songs as mantras, Denitia aims to reimagine what it means to be home.
In a statement to Billboard, Denitia said “As someone that grew up watching CMT every morning, to now be highlighted with this wonderful class of artists is inspiring. … My focus is to make music that connects with people and I’m really grateful for this opportunity to have even more of a platform to do that. I want to continue to be inspired by the past traditions of country music while moving forward into an exciting future. What an honor to be included in what’s next!”
Congrats to Denitia on this honor. Watch a visualizer for her cover of “What’s She Doing Now” by Garth Brooks below, along with one of her Black Opry performances.