Gaby Moreno

Last updated

Gaby Moreno
Gaby Moreno en Acceso Total 3 Cropped.jpg
Moreno in 2012
Background information
Birth nameMaria Gabriela Moreno Bonilla
Born (1981-12-16) 16 December 1981 (age 42)
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1997–present
LabelsMetamorfosis, Nonesuch
Website gaby-moreno.com

Maria Gabriela Moreno Bonilla (born 16 December 1981) is a Grammy-winning Guatemalan singer-songwriter and guitarist. Singing in both English and Spanish, Moreno's music covers many genres including Latin, alternative, blues, folk and Americana.

Contents

Early life

Maria Gabriela Moreno Bonilla [1] was born on 16 December 1981 in Guatemala City [2] and later moved to Los Angeles.

Career

Music

In August 2009, Moreno toured with Tracy Chapman. Later, in November 2009, Moreno toured as direct support for Ani Difranco on an East Coast tour. Difranco invited Moreno back out on tour in January and February 2010. In July 2010 Moreno went on tour in Germany (e.g. in Constance, Heidelberg, and Ravensburg) and France.[ citation needed ]

In early 2011 Moreno and her band played their first headlining tour. They toured through the Netherlands and Belgium performing as part of the "World Sessions" tour. In addition, Moreno and her band opened as direct support for Nouvelle Vague for three shows in Germany. In late 2011 Gaby toured the U.S. East coast as direct support for The Milk Carton Kids.[ citation needed ]

Moreno played some concerts in France in February 2012. Later that spring, she performed with Ricardo Arjona during his "Metamorfosis World Tour." In June, Moreno performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to commemorate 50 years of Amnesty International, together with Kris Kristofferson and others. Throughout May and June, Moreno played concerts in Ireland ("Electric Burma" in honor of Aung San Suu Kyi together with Bono, Damien Rice, Bob Geldof, Angelique Kidjo, etc.), Germany, France, and London (with Van Dyke Parks) In July, Moreno played concerts in France, including Le Havre, Verdun, and Paris.[ citation needed ]

In 2013, she toured with Hugh Laurie and The Copper Bottom Band through Europe, in March 2014 in South America, namely Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.[ citation needed ]

On 28 February and 1 March 2015, Moreno played at Festival Acústico under the name "Gaby Moreno y amigos". Her performances featured guest appearances by Oscar Isaac, Sara Watkins, Ishto Jueves, Devorah Rahel (with whom she played the song "Y Tu Sombra") and El Gordo. Moreno also played a song called "Maldición, Bendición".

Moreno at the Bowery Ballroom, New York, 2015 Music - Gaby Moreno - Bowery Ballroom (18211132503).jpg
Moreno at the Bowery Ballroom, New York, 2015

In March 2015, Moreno went on tour in Europe, playing at Theater Akzent in Vienna, Austria (19 March, her first show in Vienna), Casino Kulturraum in Friedrichshafen, Germany (20 March), La Spirale in Fribourg, Switzerland (21 March), and Cankar Centre in Ljubljana, Slovenia (24 March). On 24 July 2015 Moreno performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City with Out of Doors. Starting in 2016, Moreno became a recurring guest on Live From Here.

In 2018, Moreno released a cover of Trinidadian artist David Rudder's 1998 song "The Immigrants," made with arranger and producer Van Dyke Parks, ahead of the U.S. Independence Day (4 July), with proceeds going to benefit CARECEN.

¡Spangled!, a collaboration between Moreno and Parks, was released in 2020 on Metamorfosis & Nonesuch Records. The album includes a bolero from Panama, a bossa nova from Brazil, a song by Moreno, David Rudder's "The Immigrants," and Ry Cooder, John Hiatt and Jim Dickinson's song "Across the Borderline," performed with Cooder and Jackson Browne.

Composing

As a composer, Moreno recorded and produced the score for the feature film Language Lessons (directed by Natalie Morales) and received an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Song" for the theme song to NBC's show Parks and Recreation . [3]

In 2022, Moreno released a full-length album, Dreamers Dream On, with her three-part harmony side project, The SongBirds, and released her self-produced seventh solo studio album Alegoría, which has earned her a second GRAMMY nomination. [4] [5]

Television

Moreno sings the theme song and voices a character (Marlena) for the Disney children's television series, Elena of Avalor . [6] Her version of the song "Cucurrucucú Paloma" was featured in a key scene during the last season of the Netflix original show Orange Is the New Black .

Moreno appeared alongside Rupert Grint in a Catherine Hardwicke-directed episode of Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities . [7] Moreno also collaborated with composer Heitor Pereira to write and perform the song "Por Que Te Vas" for DreamWorks Animation's Puss in Boots: The Last Wish .

Reception

Moreno has been received positively by Al Borde, [8] KCRW, [9] Latina, [10] NBC Latino, NPR [11] (including All Things Considered , [12] Alt. Latino , [13] and Tiny Desk Concerts [14] ), Orlando Weekly [15] and The New York Times . [16]

The music video for "Fuiste Tu", her duet with Ricardo Arjona, has amassed over 1 billion views on YouTube. [17]

"This Guatemalan American singer-songwriter alternates fluidly between languages, whether spoken (English and Spanish) or musical, easing in and out of everything from folksy alt country to retro blues rock …Plucky, quirky and insightful, Moreno has the grace and the skill to make it big." – Rhapsody: No. 3 in Top 10 Latin Alt Albums of Spring 2011 [18]

In 2012, she was listed as one of the "5 Latinos to Look Out for in 2012" by NBC Latino. [19]

Discography

Albums

Singles

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNote(s)
2013Hugh Laurie: Live On The Queen MaryBacking Vocals
2019 La Llorona Title song

Television

YearTitleRoleNote(s)
2017 Family Guy (voice)Episode: "Dearly Deported"
2018–20 Elena of Avalor Marlena (voice)3 episodes
2019 Undone HerselfEpisode: "Alone In This (You Have Me)"

Awards and nominations

In 2006, she won the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Song writing Contest with her song "Escondidos," first in the Latin category, then overall.

In 2010, Moreno was awarded "Favourite American Latino Indie Artist" at the American Latino Awards (run by American Latino TV).

In December 2024, Gaby Moreno was included on the BBC's 100 Women list. [30]

Grammy Awards:

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2017Ilusión Best Latin Pop Album Nominated
2024X Mi (Vol. 1)Won

Latin Grammy Awards:

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2012"Fuiste Tú" Record of the Year Nominated
2013Gaby Moreno Best New Artist Won
2020¡Spangled! Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Nominated
2021"Bolero de la vida" (with Omara Portuondo) Best Tropical Song Nominated
2023Vida (with Omara Portuondo) Best Traditional Tropical Album Won

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricardo Arjona</span> Guatemalan singer (born 1964)

Edgar Ricardo Arjona Morales, known as Ricardo Arjona, is a Guatemalan singer and songwriter. He is one of the most successful and best-selling Latin American artists of all time, with more than 20 million records sold. His music ranges from ballads to Latin pop, rock, pop rock, Cuban music, and more recently a cappella performances and a mixture of Tejano music and Norteño music, and Latin sounds. Arjona is noted for his lyrical style, and often addresses topics such as love, sexuality, violence, racism and immigration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natalia Lafourcade</span> Mexican singer-songwriter (born 1984)

María Natalia Lafourcade Silva is a Mexican singer and songwriter who performs in genres such as pop rock, jazz, and folk music. Since her debut in 2002, she has been one of the most successful singers in Latin America and the United States. Lafourcade's voice has been categorized as a lyric soprano.

<i>5to Piso</i> 2008 studio album by Ricardo Arjona

5to Piso is the eleventh studio album by Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona, released on 18 November 2008. Produced by Arjona, Jorge Amaro, Dan Warner, Lee Levin, Fernando de Santiago and Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres, the album was recorded in various studios between the United States and Mexico. It is the first release by the artist under Warner Music. Arjona commented that with this album, he "tried to recoup some of the freshness" of his past releases, stating that "it makes good to the songs". Jason Birchmeier from Allmusic named it "an eagerly awaited album with a phenomenal lead single." 5to Piso marks the third album in which the singer collaborates with Tommy Torres, after Adentro and Quién Dijo Ayer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Como Duele (Ricardo Arjona song)</span> 2008 single by Ricardo Arjona Perez

"Como Duele" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 4 November 2008 as the lead single from his eleventh studio album, 5to Piso (2008). The song was written and produced by Arjona along with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos, with additional production work and background vocals from Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres. "Como Duele" is the first single Arjona releases after signing a record deal with Warner Music in 2008, after being signed to Sony Music since 1993.

<i>Independiente</i> (Ricardo Arjona album) 2011 studio album by Ricardo Arjona

Independiente is the thirteenth Spanish-language studio album by Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona, released on 23 September 2011. Recorded in the United States and Mexico, it was produced by Arjona with Dan Warner, Carlos Cabral "Junior", Lee Levin and Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres. The album—the first independent release by Arjona after he was signed by Sony Music in 1993 and Warner Music in 2008—was issued by his own label, Metamorfosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pablo Alborán</span> Spanish musician, singer and songwriter

Pablo Moreno de Alborán Ferrándiz, popularly known as Pablo Alborán, is a Spanish musician and singer-songwriter. Throughout his career, Alborán has released five studio albums, two live albums, and various musical collaborations. His records are distributed by Warner Music Spain which he was signed to in 2013. That year he released "Solamente Tú", the lead single from his 2011 self-titled debut album. The track topped the charts in his home country for two consecutive weeks. The album peaked at number one in its first week of sales, making Alborán the first solo artist to sign a complete debut album to rank to the top since 1998 in Spain. Alborán was nominated for Best New Artist at the 12th Latin Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricardo Arjona discography</span>

Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona has released 15 studio albums, sixteen compilation albums, two live albums, forty-five singles and two promotional singles. Four of his albums have reached the number-one position on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, while four of his singles have topped the Billboard Latin Songs chart. Throughout his career, Arjona has sold approximately 20 million albums worldwide, making him one of the most successful Latin artists in music history. Arjona released his debut album, Déjame Decir Que Te Amo, in 1985. However, his experiences while recording the album and its commercial failure led to his decision to abandon the music industry. Despite this decision, Arjona returned and released Jesús, Verbo No Sustantivo in 1988. In 1991, Arjona signed a record deal with Sony Music and released his third studio album, Del Otro Lado del Sol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">El Amor (Ricardo Arjona song)</span> 2011 single by Ricardo Arjona

"El Amor" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 23 August 2011 as the lead single from his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). The song was written and produced by Arjona along with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos, with additional production work from Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres. "El Amor" is the first single Arjona releases under his new record label, Metamorfosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metamorfosis World Tour</span> 2012–13 concert tour by Ricardo Arjona

The Metamorfosis World Tour was a worldwide concert tour by Guatemalan singer–songwriter Ricardo Arjona in support of his thirteenth studio album, Independiente. Beginning in January 2012, it was Arjona's first tour since leaving Warner Music to become an independent artist. The tour was announced in December 2011 with dates at American, Argentinian and Chilean venues, and received a positive critical response. The show was designed for a revolving stage, with Arjona performing while the scenery changed with the songs being performed. Four changes of scenery were developed: a two-floor apartment, a bar, a circus and a theatre. The number of songs played at each show varied from 19 to 23.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuiste Tú</span> 2012 single by Ricardo Arjona and Gaby Moreno

"Fuiste Tú" is a Latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 7 February 2012 as the second single from his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). Featuring additional lead vocals by Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno, the song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos. Additional work on the recording was done by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metamorfosis (record label)</span> American record label

Metamorfosis is an American record label founded by the Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vida (Ricardo Arjona song)</span> 2010 single by Ricardo Arjona

"Vida" is a latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 7 December 2010 as the second single from his twelfth studio album, Poquita Ropa (2010). The song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos. The song is considered to be an autobiographical song for the singer, and its lyrics are based on "matters of identity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mi Novia Se Me Está Poniendo Vieja</span> 2012 single by Ricardo Arjona

"Mi Novia Se Me Está Poniendo Vieja" is a Latin pop song written by Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona for his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). It was produced by Arjona, Dan Warner and Lee Levin. It was released as the album's third single on 8 May 2012. The song was used by American telecommunications corporation AT&T on a commercial promoting the Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone, and has been widely performed on Arjona's Metamorfosis World Tour. A music video was filmed on the Universal Studios in Los Angeles, and is protagonized by Arjona alongside his son Ricardo Arjona Jr. In 2013, Arjona received a Song of the Year nomination at the 14th Latin Grammy Awards for the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Te Quiero (Ricardo Arjona song)</span> 2012 single by Ricardo Arjona

"Te Quiero" is a Latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 5 July 2012 as the third single from his 13th studio album, Independiente (2011). The song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their stage name Los Gringos. Additional recording work was handled by Peter Wallace, Matt Rollings, Carlos "Cabral" Junior and Isaías García.

"Si Tu No Existieras" is a Latin pop song by Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona, released on 27 November 2012 as the fifth single from his thirteenth studio album, Independiente (2011). The song was written by Arjona, who produced it with longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Lee Levin under their production name Los Gringos. Additional recording work was handled by Peter Wallace, Matt Rollings, Carlos "Cabral" Junior and Isaías García, and background vocals were provided by Roger Hudson.

<i>Viaje</i> (Ricardo Arjona album) 2014 studio album by Ricardo Arjona

Viaje is the fourteenth Spanish-language studio album by Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona. The album —the second independent release by Arjona after he was signed by Sony Music in 1993 and Warner Music in 2008— was released on 29 April 2014 by Arjona's own label, Metamorfosis. The album received a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Album. The first single from Viaje is "Apnea", released on 4 March 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karol G</span> Colombian singer (born 1991)

Carolina Giraldo Navarro, known professionally as Karol G, is a Colombian singer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential reggaeton and urban pop artists, she has received awards including a Grammy, six Latin Grammy Awards and five Billboard Music Awards. She was recognized as Woman of the Year and with a Rulebreaker Award at Billboard Women in Music, with the Spirit of Hope Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, and has five Guinness World Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cántalo</span> 2019 single by Ricky Martin

"Cántalo" is a song recorded by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin with Puerto Rican rappers Residente and Bad Bunny for Martin's first extended play, Pausa (2020). The song was written by Residente, Bad Bunny, Danay Suárez, Martin, Rubén Blades, and Johnny Pacheco, while the production was handled by Residente and Trooko. It was released for digital download and streaming by Sony Music Latin on November 12, 2019, as the lead single from the EP. A Spanish language salsa and reggaeton song, it is about union and celebration.

123 Andrés are a husband-and-wife duo that creates children's music in both English and Spanish. They have performed for audiences across the US as well as in Puerto Rico, Panama, and Mexico.

References

  1. Schweizer, Renate (14 October 2019). "Sie singt und die Welt steht still". Backnanger Kreiszeitung (in German). Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  2. "Gaby Moreno Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic .
  3. Ann Donahue (8 July 2010). "'Idol,' 'SNL' Join 'Glee' with Emmy Nominatons". Billboard. Archived from the original on 24 February 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  4. "Gaby Moreno is making music on her terms". NPR.org. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  5. "2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Nominees List". www.grammy.com. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  6. Cantor-Navas, Judy; Cantor-Navas, Judy (10 June 2016). "Gaby Moreno Sings Theme Song for Disney Channel Latina Princess Show 'Elena of Avalor'". Billboard. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  7. Gonzalez, A. J. (17 October 2022). "Guillermo del Toro's 'Cabinet of Curiosities' Releasing Episodes Over 4 Nights — Here Are the Dates". Remezcla. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  8. Hilda Gabriela (1 March 2011). "Gaby Moreno's 'Illustrated Songs' Is All About Going Big, Or Going Home". AB's Top Music News. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  9. "Gaby Moreno: Song for You". Today's Top Tune. KCRW. 1 July 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  10. Smriti Mundhra (2 May 2011). "The Best Latin Music You Don't Know: Gaby Moreno". Latina. Archived from the original on 9 December 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  11. Tamara Vallejos (4 December 2008). "Gaby Moreno: 'Song of You'". NPR. Archived from the original on 20 July 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  12. "Gaby Moreno: Lady Learns The Blues, And More". All Things Considered . NPR. 1 April 2011. Archived from the original on 20 July 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  13. Anne Hoffman (1 July 2011). "New Music From The Latin Alternative Music Conference". NPR. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  14. Jasmine Garsd (1 August 2011). "Gaby Moreno: Tiny Desk Concert". NPR. Archived from the original on 20 July 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  15. Le-Huu, Bao (1 October 2011). "This Little Underground". Orlando Weekly . Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  16. Pareles, Jon (8 July 2011). "Musical Ambition, Defying All Barriers". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 14 April 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  17. Ricardo Arjona – Fuiste tú feat. Gaby Moreno (Video Oficial), archived from the original on 21 October 2022, retrieved 21 October 2022
  18. Rachel Devitt (1 May 2011). "LATIN ROUNDUP: TOP 10 LATIN ALT ALBUMS OF SPRING 2011". Archived from the original on 25 May 2012.
  19. Kristina Puga (3 December 2011). "5 Latinos to Look Out for in 2012". nbclatino.tumblr.com. Archived from the original on 20 July 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  20. "Gaby Moreno – Still The Unknown". Discogs. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  21. Gaby Moreno – A Good Old Christmastime (2010, CD), archived from the original on 4 January 2022, retrieved 4 January 2022
  22. Gaby Moreno – Still The Unknown (2011, CD), archived from the original on 4 January 2022, retrieved 4 January 2022
  23. "Gaby Moreno – Illustrated Songs". Discogs. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  24. "Postales Metamorfosis". www.gaby-moreno.com. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  25. Cantor-Navas, Judy (3 December 2014). "Gaby Moreno's 'Posada': An Instant Latin Christmas Classic". Billboard. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  26. Gaby Moreno – Posada (2014, CD), archived from the original on 4 January 2022, retrieved 4 January 2022
  27. Gaby Moreno – Illusion (2016, CD), archived from the original on 4 January 2022, retrieved 4 January 2022
  28. Gaby Moreno & Van Dyke Parks – ¡Spangled! (2019, CD), archived from the original on 4 January 2022, retrieved 4 January 2022
  29. Gaby Moreno at IMDb
  30. "BBC 100 Women 2024: Who is on the list this year?". BBC. 3 December 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.