Taimane Gardner

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
Background information
Birth nameTaimane Tauiliili Bobby Gardner
Born (1989-02-13) February 13, 1989
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
Occupation(s)Musician, composer
Instrument(s)Ukulele, Vocals, Guitar

Early life

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

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

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
  1. Varga, George (October 3, 2012). "Tiny G string a key to ukuleles' success?". U-T San Diego. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  2. "Taimane Gardner reflects on Nā Hōkū Hanohano win, her new album and where it all began for her". www.hawaiinewsnow.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  3. "Na Hoku Hanohano Awards 2019 Finalists Announced". Hawaii Magazine. April 23, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  4. Mossman, Bill (July 14, 2006). "The Diamond of Waikiki". MidWeek. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  5. "TAIMANE GARDNER – UKULELE QUEEN". The Coconet TV. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  6. Chan, Tracy (March 7, 2017). "Taimane Gardner's video medley celebrates beach life and surf culture". Hawaii Magazine. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  7. "Taimane Gardner: Ukulele Virtuoso". Waldorf School TV. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  8. O'Connor, Christina (March 18, 2016). "Taimane's Odyssey". Metro Honolulu. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  9. Harada, Wayne (September 23, 2008). "'Gift of Aloha' returns for the holidays". The Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  10. Moran, Pat (July 2, 2015). "Taimane Gardner: Reaching for the Stars". Ukulele Magazine. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  11. "Ukulele artist Taimane previews new 'Elemental' album". KHON-TV. April 18, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  12. Lynam, Robin (October 30, 2015). "Ukulele virtuoso Taimane Gardner thinking big ahead of Hong Kong gig". South China Morning Post. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  13. Olwell, Greg (May 31, 2016). "Ohta and Tolentino Take Home Ukulele Album of the Year Award". Ukulele Magazine. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  14. "The Top 10 Ukulele Moments". guitarworld. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  15. "Taimane: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert". YouTube.
  16. "ʻUkulele virtuoso Taimane's new album is steeped in her Polynesian roots". Hawai'i Public Radio. October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
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