Taimane Tauiliili Bobby Gardner,[1] (born February 13, 1989) who often performs under the mononym Taimane, is an American ukulele virtuoso and composer. In 2019, she won a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award, for Favorite Entertainer of the Year.[2] In 2019, Taimane Gardner's song, Water, from her album, Elemental was nominated for Instrumental Composition of the Year by Nā Hoku Hanohano Awards.[3]
Taimane Gardner | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Taimane Tauiliili Bobby Gardner |
| Born | February 13, 1989 Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instrument(s) | Ukulele, Guitar, Vocals |
Early life edit
Gardner was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Jack and Elva Gardner, and is of Samoan, German, Irish, French, and Swedish descent.[4][5] Her name translates to diamond in the Samoan language.[5] Gardner began playing the ukulele at the age of 5 and attended Roy Sakuma’s ukulele school. She was discovered by legendary musician Don Ho at age 13 and also studied under Jake Shimabukuro as a teenager.[6] She graduated from the Honolulu Waldorf School before attending Kapiolani Community College.[7]
Career edit
Taimane became a popular local musician on the Waikiki performance circuit as a teenager.[8] In 2005, she released her first album Loco Princess.[4] Her album Life – The Art & Beauty of Being Human was released in 2008.[9] Other released solo projects include Ukulele Dance in 2012, We Are Made of Stars in 2015, Elemental in 2018 and Hawaiki (2022).[10][11]
Taimane has performed internationally in Japan and Hong Kong.[9][12] Her album We Are Made of Stars was nominated for Ukulele Album of the Year at the 2016 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.[13] Taimane has also been recognized for her cover medley performances, including a spot on the Guitar World Magazine Top 10 Ukulele Moments list.[14] On March 13, 2020, Taimane had an NPR Tiny Desk concert with over 1 million views.[15]
Discography edit
Albums
- Loco Princess (2005)
- Life – The Art & Beauty of Being Human (2008)
- Ukulele Dance (2012)
- We Are Made of Stars (2015)
- Elemental (2018)
- Hawaiki (2022) [16]
References edit
- ^ Varga, George (October 3, 2012). "Tiny G string a key to ukuleles' success?". U-T San Diego. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ "Taimane Gardner reflects on Nā Hōkū Hanohano win, her new album and where it all began for her". www.hawaiinewsnow.com. November 11, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Na Hoku Hanohano Awards 2019 Finalists Announced". Hawaii Magazine. April 23, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ a b Mossman, Bill (July 14, 2006). "The Diamond of Waikiki". MidWeek. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ a b "TAIMANE GARDNER – UKULELE QUEEN". The Coconet TV. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ Chan, Tracy (March 7, 2017). "Taimane Gardner's video medley celebrates beach life and surf culture". Hawaii Magazine. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ "Taimane Gardner: Ukulele Virtuoso". Waldorf School TV. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ O'Connor, Christina (March 18, 2016). "Taimane's Odyssey". Metro Honolulu. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ a b Harada, Wayne (September 23, 2008). "'Gift of Aloha' returns for the holidays". The Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
- ^ Moran, Pat (July 2, 2015). "Taimane Gardner: Reaching for the Stars". Ukulele Magazine. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
- ^ "Ukulele artist Taimane previews new 'Elemental' album". KHON-TV. April 18, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
- ^ Lynam, Robin (October 30, 2015). "Ukulele virtuoso Taimane Gardner thinking big ahead of Hong Kong gig". South China Morning Post. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
- ^ Olwell, Greg (May 31, 2016). "Ohta and Tolentino Take Home Ukulele Album of the Year Award". Ukulele Magazine. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
- ^ "The Top 10 Ukulele Moments". guitarworld. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
- ^ "Taimane: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert". YouTube.
- ^ "ʻUkulele virtuoso Taimane's new album is steeped in her Polynesian roots". Hawai'i Public Radio. October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
External links edit
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