Crestview singer-songwriter and combat-disabled veteran Josh Davis came back from Nashville with two awards, including Artist of the Year honors for the second consecutive year.
- Davis, who performs as The Real Josh Davis, was named Artist of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, held Sept. 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, according to a news release. In 2025, he was named Artist of the Year – Outlaw Country, giving the independent artist back-to-back Artist of the Year recognition.
During the same weekend in Nashville, Davis also received the inaugural Honor and Harmony Award, which recognized him as a veteran artist.
“I’m still processing all of it,” Davis said. “To go to Nashville and come back to Northwest Florida with two awards is something I’m incredibly grateful for. But the awards raise the standard. Now I go back to work: keep writing, keep playing, and keep earning it.”
Davis has built much of his independent music career across Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast, performing regularly for audiences throughout the region while expanding into markets across the Southeast.
A combat-disabled veteran with an infantry background, Davis draws heavily from personal experience in his songwriting. His music addresses service, loss, faith, family, relationships and the realities of rebuilding life after difficult experiences.
His recent releases include “This Ain’t No Love Song,” “Chasing Sunsets,” “Tired of Goodbye” and “Wherever Good Dogs Go.”
“A lot of the people who helped build this with me are right here in Northwest Florida,” Davis said. “They came to the shows, shared the songs and supported the music before any of these awards happened. They’re part of this story.”
Davis, who is also a published author, continues to perform throughout Northwest Florida while developing new music and expanding his touring reach. More information, music and upcoming performances are available at therealjoshdavis.com.
