Podcast Title: takin' a walk
Host: iHeartPodcasts (Hosted by Buzz Knight)
Episode: Classic Music Saved Me with Danelia Cotton
Release Date: June 7, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of takin' a walk, hosted by Lynn Hoffman of iHeartPodcasts, listeners are introduced to Danelia Cotton, an award-winning musician, singer, and songwriter known for her gritty, rich, and soulful blues and rockin' Americana. The conversation delves deep into Danelia's personal journey, her battle with cancer, and the profound role music has played in her healing and creative process.

Overcoming Cancer and Personal Growth

Danelia opens up about her late-life diagnosis with thyroid cancer, detailing the initial confusion and fear she felt upon hearing her diagnosis. “[...] I was like, what cancer is good? But he's like, I can remove your thyroid and then it's gone,” she recounts (04:48). The surgery not only saved her life but also unexpectedly enhanced her vocal range. This transformative experience led her to work closely with vocal coaches, reshaping her singing technique and deepening her connection to her craft.

Danelia explains how cancer has remained a persistent part of her life, especially with her partner battling mantle cell lymphoma. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes resilience and balance, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive environment for her young daughter and supportive partner. “Running and raising money and awareness has saved me,” Danelia shares, illustrating how physical activity and philanthropic efforts have been crucial in her coping mechanism (08:36).

The Healing Power of Music

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on music's therapeutic effects. Danelia passionately discusses the intangible elements of music that facilitate healing, likening its impact to spiritual experiences in a church choir. “[...] music is a place to go and live when reality is either overwhelming or too intense. It's a place to hide. It's a place to revel in,” she explains (14:51). She underscores that music's power lies not just in its melody or lyrics, but in its ability to transport individuals emotionally and mentally, offering solace and a means to process complex feelings.

Musical Influences and Artistic Journey

Growing up in New Jersey, Danelia was immersed in a diverse musical landscape. Her influences range from rock legends like Led Zeppelin and Joe Cocker to jazz icons such as Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane. This eclectic mix fostered her versatility and willingness to explore various genres. “[...] my first album was called Small White Town, and it was primarily occupied by not my color,” she reflects, highlighting how her upbringing in a predominantly non-Black environment shaped her unique musical identity (14:27).

Danelia also touches on her academic background in jazz trumpet, which further enriched her musical foundation. This diverse exposure allowed her to blend different styles seamlessly, making her music both authentic and universally relatable.

Impact on Listeners

Danelia shares poignant moments when her music directly impacted listeners' lives. “[...] somebody said something where I was like, ooh, ouch. But, you know, everybody's entitled to their opinion,” she recalls a touching encounter with an artist who found inspiration in her song to pursue painting (20:11). These interactions reaffirm her belief in music's ability to inspire and effect meaningful change in others.

Transparency and Storytelling in Music

When discussing her songwriting process, Danelia emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional safety. “[...] I choose moments that I have had and worked and moved through, and then this is that story,” she states, explaining her selective approach to sharing personal experiences through her music (22:07). She likens songwriting to acting, where an artist must be prepared to fully embody the emotions and stories they present, ensuring that their stories are not only heard but felt deeply by the audience.

Current Projects and Future Plans

Danelia is currently preparing to release a new EP on June 29th, which ventures into the country genre—a testament to her genre-blending prowess. She is also actively touring, with performances scheduled at Americana Fest in Nashville and Papapalooza in the Hamptons. “[...] the EP is about to drop on the 29th, and it is country, but it's definitely Danelia. It's me sort of once again going into another genre,” she announces (24:33).

Danelia encourages listeners to follow her journey through her website and social media platforms, highlighting her continuous evolution as an artist and her commitment to connecting with audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

Danelia Cotton's story is one of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of music. Her ability to channel personal pain into creative expression not only defines her artistry but also serves as an inspiration to many facing their own struggles. As she continues to evolve and explore new musical territories, Danelia remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the healing power of music.

Lynn Hoffman wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for Danelia's openness and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more of her soulful sounds. “[...] you are truly inspiring with your story, your music and everything going on with you,” Lynn concludes, leaving listeners both moved and eager to follow Danelia's musical journey (26:22).

Notable Quotes:

• Danelia Cotton (04:48): “I was like, what cancer is good? But he's like, I can remove your thyroid and then it's gone.”

• Danelia Cotton (14:51): “Music is a place to go and live when reality is either overwhelming or too intense. It's a place to hide. It's a place to revel in.”

• Danelia Cotton (20:11): “Somebody said something where I was like, ooh, ouch. But, you know, everybody's entitled to their opinion.”

• Danelia Cotton (22:07): “I choose moments that I have had and worked and moved through, and then this is that story.”

• Lynn Hoffman (26:22): “You are truly inspiring with your story, your music and everything going on with you.”

Where to Find Danelia Cotton

• Website: DaneliaCotton.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @DaneliaCotton
• Upcoming Performances:
  • Americana Fest, Nashville
  • Papapalooza, Hamptons (June 26th)
• New EP Release Date: June 29th

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript, focusing solely on the interview and discussions between Lynn Hoffman and Danelia Cotton.