We recently had the chance to connect with Denita Gibbs and have shared our conversation below.
Denita , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, I just recently won my first BMI Christian Music Award at the 2025 BMI Awards show on 6/17/25.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Singer-Songwriter-Artist Denita Gibbs is based out of Birmingham, AL, now residing in Nashville, TN. Gibbs has carved a unique path in the gospel music industry with her heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Known for her unique voice, Denita’s musical journey began with national recognition as a finalist in the Vickie Winans Rising Star Talent Search and has since flourished with the release of an album, several singles, and notable awards.
Gibbs released her first album “Worthy” in 2004 and signed with Audiostate 55 Entertainment for her second album in 2011. She has since become an independent artist, captivating audiences with her voice in various ministries and opening for Gospel artists. Gibbs reached No. 14 on the Billboard gospel album chart in 2014 with her release “Without You,” showcasing her contemporary urban inspirational style. Her accolades include winning the 2014 Alabama People’s Choice Music Award for “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Song of the Year.” Gibbs was a Top 3 Songwriter finalist at the Gospel Music Association Immerse Conference in 2018 and signed with formerly MNRK Nashville/IndieBlu the same year, releasing the single “Keep Holding On.” Nominated for “New Artist of the Year” at the Steeple Awards in 2019, she also received a Grammy Consideration for Best Gospel Song/Performance for “Keep Holding On.” In 2020, Gibbs introduced a Christian rock single, “Better Believe It,” and was nominated for multiple awards. Continuing her success in 2021, she released the single, “He’s Way Ahead of You” featuring People & Songs. In 2023, Denita Gibbs earned the title of “Bama Female Gospel Artist of The Year” at the 2023 9th Annual Alabama Music Awards. In July 2024, Denita Gibbs released her newest single, “Rest” under DMG Entertainment which was written and produced by Awarding Winning Producer Stan Jones. In June 2025, Denita Gibbs earned a 2025 BMI Christian Award for the Song “New Name Written Down in Glory” at the 2025 BMI Christian Award Show in Nashville, TN.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
As a child, I knew something was different about me at 12 years old when my seven siblings and parents would have movie nights. Instead of me staying and watching them with my family; I would get up and leave because I did not want with viewing those movies to contaminate my spirit… LOL, so I choose to go to my room and pray. It was through prayer, I learned that life is all about worshiping God and coming to the realization that my “Yes” to God would cost me. Later in life, I experienced so many life obstacles, but it was God and my music that kept me going.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. Here’s My Miracle Testimony:
In the year of September 2021, I tested positive for COVID-19. My symptoms were mild in the beginning but eventually worsened. On September 17, 2021, I started having shortness of breath. I called my
friend and my parents to notify them that I could not breathe. Then I immediately called 911 for
an ambulance to come and take me to the hospital. I was admitted for a few days. I told the hospital
staff that I was not well enough to go home yet, but was released with a low oxygen reading which
required a breathing tank. On September 20, 2021, once I was at home, but feeling very tired, weak
and experiencing a lot of discomfort. One of my friends came and stayed with me overnight and
they noticed I was getting worse.
On the following day, September 21, 2021, I called Urgent Care and was informed by them that
I should have remained in the hospital. 911was called and I was readmitted to the hospital. I was
rushed to the ER. Once I was examined, they found double Pneumonia, four blood clots in my
lungs and I had suffered a mild heart attack. While in the ER as well, my oxygen saturation
readings dropped in 50% percentages. The Doctors asked for my family contact information to
notify them of my condition, the doctors mentioned to my parents that they did not think I was
going to make it, BUT GOD who is rich is mercy. After hearing of my condition, they immediately
came to be with me in Tennessee. After being admitted back into the hospital, I had emergency
surgery to remove the blood clots from my lungs. I was taken to ICU where I remained for one
month until I was discharged. My oxygen saturation readings were 83% to 50% continuing to
fluctuate for up and down for weeks. This required me to have 30 liters of oxygen per minute to
assist with my breathing.
I remained in the hospital for a month fighting all those illnesses. My body was very weak and
I was unable to walk due to so much trauma. But my FAITH remained strong. At times I thought
I was going to die because my condition would become rocky. I am so very thankful to God for
my Anointed Praying Parents, Family and Friends, who had everyone, everywhere praying for me,
“The prayers of the righteous definitely availed much.” As the days progressed along with my
condition beginning to improve, the hospital started me with Physical Therapy to learn how to
walk again. I started seeing God turn things around. Day and night I remained prayful, calling on
the Name of Jesus, listening to my Praise and Worship Music. I even sang out loud my own
written song,” Keep Holding On”, it ministered and encouraged me to keep holding on. As the
days continued to progress, I start seeing more of the handy of work God working on my behalf.
My oxygen saturation readings were increasing from 80s to 90s and my body strength was
improving; Yes, it was nobody but God!! I continued to sing, listen to preaching, praying and
fighting like crazy! See. I was coming out because of the Blood of Jesus!! It was a fight for my
life, I knew God was with me.
In October 2021, I was released from the hospital. Many of the Hospital Personnel told me, “I
was not the same woman who was admitted a month ago. They stated that, “They saw a glow on
my face.” That was a healing glow, one of God’s virtue healing power! I was sent home with Home
Care Nurses they assisted, encouraging me daily and telling me that I was going to make it for the
next 4 months. When I returned back to church after recovery, I continually pushed myself while
ministering through praise and worship while sitting in a chair, because I was unable to stand. I
am thankful to God for his continued added strength daily, for it is by him that I live, move, and
have my being. I thank God that he spared my life. I will never take it for granted again.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR ALL THE THINGS…HE HAS DONE!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I am the same person both publicly and privately. I strive everyday to be the best version of me that God has equip me to be in accomplishing the good works he has plan for me to do. I believe the more I work with the potentials and limits he placed in me, the more effective, confident, and productive I will be.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes, I’m a worshipper. “Worship is my life.” My passion is to use my music ministry to lift up and edify the name of Jesus and lead others to him everywhere I go.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.denitagibbs.com
- Instagram: @denitagibbs
- Twitter: @officialdgibbs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denita.gibbs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJZ0nVGvVhp3BhGQMPAnAHQ
Image Credits
Aaron Frank
Will Holton
