Naomi Whitehead: America’s Newest Voice

On October 22, 2024, following the passing of Elizabeth Francis, Naomi Whitehead officially became the oldest living person in the United States—a title that represents more than just age; it’s a bridge across generations. Born Naomi Washington on September 26, 1910, in rural Georgia, she grew up on a farm, helping pick cotton and tobacco while learning resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work alongside her older siblings Douglas, Clarence, Ellen, and Viola. At 20, she married Sylvester Whitehead, and the couple raised three sons: Parrish, Elbert, and Sylvester Jr., growing a family that expanded through generations.

On October 22, 2024, following the passing of Elizabeth Francis, Naomi Whitehead officially became the oldest living person in the United States—a title that represents more than just age; it’s a bridge across generations.

Born Naomi Washington on September 26, 1910, in rural Georgia, she grew up on a farm, helping pick cotton and tobacco while learning resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work alongside her older siblings Douglas, Clarence, Ellen, and Viola. At 20, she married Sylvester Whitehead, and the couple raised three sons: Parrish, Elbert, and Sylvester Jr., growing a family that expanded through generations.

By Emily Travers | September 27, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

“I didn’t think anyone would listen to me. Now… they don’t stop.” – Naomi Whitehead

Until six months ago, Naomi Whitehead was working the night shift at a diner just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma. A single mother of two, barely making ends meet, Naomi had one escape: music. Singing to her kids as they fell asleep, humming old gospel tunes in the kitchen, recording rough vocals on her cracked iPhone in the car during breaks.

She never thought anyone would hear her.

But everything changed the night she posted a trembling, tear-streaked acapella cover of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” on TikTok, recorded in her bathroom at 2 a.m. She had just lost her second job. Her electricity was about to be cut. The video, filmed in a single take, went viral overnight.

Within 48 hours, Naomi had over 3 million views.

Within a week, John Legend was messaging her.

Now, Naomi Whitehead is being hailed as “America’s Newest Voice.” But her rise has been anything but easy—or fair.

A Voice Almost Silenced

Naomi’s story is filled with heartbreak. Born in rural Mississippi, she grew up in foster care after her mother died of an overdose when Naomi was just 8. She moved between 12 different homes before aging out of the system at 18. She never attended college. Never had formal voice training. Everything she has, she learned alone.

In a recent interview with NPR, Naomi broke down in tears when asked about her past:

“I used to sing to keep from crying. It was all I had. I used to think… maybe if I sing loud enough, someone will finally hear me.”

Now, millions are listening.

A Debut That’s Breaking Records—and Hearts

Naomi’s first EP, “Hollow Hallelujah,” released just last week, has already shattered streaming records. Her lead single, “Mama, I Kept Singing,” a tribute to the mother she barely remembers, reached #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart in just 3 days.

Critics have compared her voice to Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lauryn Hill—but there’s something rawer. Something broken and holy in her sound.

“She sings like she’s lived a thousand lives,” said music critic Brandon Keller. “And every single one of them hurt.”

Fame, Fragility, and the Fight to Stay Grounded

But behind the success is still the woman who walks her kids to school every morning in a borrowed car. Naomi has refused several luxury endorsement deals, and still lives in a modest rental home. “I didn’t come here to get rich,” she said. “I came here to be heard.”

Still, the pressure is mounting. The spotlight is bright. And the scars from a lifetime of silence don’t heal overnight.

Naomi recently revealed she’s battling anxiety and PTSD. “Some nights I still can’t sleep,” she said. “Even with the world listening… I still feel invisible sometimes.”

But to the millions who hear her voice, she is anything but invisible.

The Voice We Didn’t Know We Needed

In a world where perfection is polished and pain is often hidden behind filters, Naomi Whitehead is a rare, raw truth. She sings not for fame, but for survival. And in doing so, she gives voice to countless others who feel forgotten.

“I’m not a star,” Naomi said. “I’m just a girl who didn’t stop singing—no matter how bad it got.”

And thank God she didn’t.