Soulful singer-songwriter Karla Davis has found her voice on some of the nation’s most iconic stages, from NBC’s The Voice to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium. Known for her “country blue-eyed soul” sound, Karla draws inspiration from legends like Roberta Flack, James Taylor, and Bonnie Raitt. Her recently released cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark is available on all platforms, reflecting both her versatility and deep emotional connection to music.
For Karla, music is far more than performance—it’s ministry, therapy, and a path to healing. “Music can reach you in a way that words never can,” she shares. “I remember hearing In the Garden at my granny’s little Baptist church when I was five, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Music is incredibly powerful.” Over the years, she has come to see her calling from God as central to her artistry. “It’s only recently that God put it on my heart to reimagine some of my favorite gospel songs and share them with people. That has changed my career.”
Through her performances, Karla seeks to create experiences that uplift and inspire. She blends storytelling, spirituality, and song to reach audiences on a deep level. “I hope they will feel inspired…to hold onto hope and lean into Jesus,” she says. “I’m convinced that I’ve been given new life after doing the same! If it weren’t for music, I’m not sure where I would be today.”
Karla also emphasizes the profound connection between music and mental health. Creating and sharing music has been her personal therapy, a tool to process emotions, and a way to navigate life’s challenges. “When I’m sad, I write. When I’m overjoyed, I write. When I’m scared, I pray and write,” she says. “Sometimes these magical moments come from putting pen to paper and trying to create something. I don’t know where I would be without music and what it has done for me in my life.”
While her career has taken her to Nashville and beyond, Karla remains drawn to Lebanon, Tennessee, where she has found community, inspiration, and a sense of home. “The souls of this town are beautiful,” she says. “From the first day I arrived, I was met by the most incredible people who helped me move into my very first apartment. There was a sense of community from day one, and that felt so special.”
Looking ahead, Karla is excited to expand her ministry through music with a new gospel record featuring some of her favorite hymns. She also treasures being part of initiatives like the Well Woman Collective, where music, wellness, and women’s empowerment intersect. “I’m proud to be a small part of a group of women uplifting others,” she says.
For Karla Davis, music is more than a career—it’s a vehicle for healing, hope, and connection. Through her soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering faith, she reminds listeners that peace, joy, and purpose are not only possible but within reach, one song at a time.