Oklahoma Girl Wins Native American Music Award, Youngest Ever Nominated

An Oklahoma girl took home a big win during the Native American Music Awards on Saturday. Ava Rose Johnson is from Red Oak in Latimer County. She's just 12 years old, but has a powerful voice and is a gifted songwriter.<br/><br/>

Tuesday, November 5th 2019, 8:33 am

By: Tess Maune

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Oklahoma Girl Wins Native American Music Award, Youngest Ever Nominated

An Oklahoma girl took home a big win during the Native American Music Awards on Saturday.

Ava Rose Johnson is from Red Oak in Latimer County. She's just 12 years old, but has a powerful voice and is a gifted songwriter.

Over the weekend, she won Best Independent Recording by a New Artist at the Native American Music Awards in Niagara Falls, New York.

Ava is the youngest to ever be nominated for a Native American Music Award, making her the youngest to ever win an NAMA.

"I am so honored. God is so awesome, and I pray others are blessed by my music," Ava said.

The winning song, “Heaven's Window,” is in memory of Ava's late friend, Behr Place. Behr was only 10 years-old when he died in an ATV crash nearly 3 years ago.

Behr's mom said the song helps her son's legacy live on and is also giving children and adults comfort as they navigate the tough grieving process.

Ava co-wrote the song in Nashville and also recorded a music video.

She represented the Cherokee and Osage Nation Tribes at the Native American Music Awards.

Tess Maune

Tess Maune is an Oklahoma girl through and through. Born and raised in El Reno, she always dreamed of one day working as a reporter. Tess joined News On 6 in March 2012.

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