Gary “Litefoot” Davis is best known as the first Native American rap artist “Litefoot” and for his award-winning portrayal of Little Bear in The Indian In The Cupboard (1995).
An enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, Gary was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma by his parents, Gary and Olga Davis. Growing up, he spent an enormous amount of time with his father and grandparents, Roy and Helen Davis, who all worked together to run the family’s businesses. His upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and stoked his entrepreneurial spirit.
Gary founded Red Vinyl Records in 1992, recording 14 studio albums and headlining his own hip hop tours across North America. On his Reach the Rez Tour (2004-2005), he clocked 54,000 miles in a single year, the equivalent of driving around the Earth twice, to inspire and demonstrate to Native people living on reservations that possibilities exist if you believe in yourself, work hard and never quit until you accomplish your goals.
Gary has additionally starred in several feature films such as Kull The Conqueror (1997), Adaptation (2002), Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), The Song of Hiawatha (1997), and John Steinbeck’s The Pearl (2001), and appeared on television programs such as House of Cards, CSI: Miami, Family Law and Any Day Now.
A prolific businessman and entrepreneur, Gary has helmed national business organizations, and additionally launched Native Business Magazine, Davis Strategy Group, Litefoot Enterprises, and Native Style Clothing-all of which he operates with his wife Carmen Davis. Together, they have three sons, Quannah, Sequoyah, and Qwnuseia.
As a public speaker, Gary motivates audiences nationwide to dispel self-doubt and ignite self-determination. He has delivered hundreds of keynotes for universities, corporations and organizations ranging from Amazon to the United States Navy. Gary has authored and self-published The Medicine of Prayer (2010), and will soon release his second self-published book entitled Reclaim Your Narrative.
