Gaby Moreno began figuring out Jimi Hendrix songs on a cheap nylon string guitar given to her by her Mom when she was 14. But, it's apparent that Hendrix isn't the only thing she can figure out!

Hailing from Guatemala, she has called Los Angeles home since touching down in 2001. Constantly immersed in the music industry, Gaby has a single minded goal: to become a successful singer/songwriter mixing Spanish and English vocals while retaining total artistic and creative control.

She is the winner of the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, "Maxell Song of the Year" with "Escondidos". Her irresistibly funky "Greenhorne Man" has been featured in television shows such as ABC's "Lincoln Heights" and "Ghost Whisperer" and MTV's "The Hills." She co-wrote the theme song for NBC's "Parks and Recreation" with her writing partner, Vincent Jones, which is now a staple in scores of households across the nation and has garnered her an Emmy nomination! And her voice can be heard in the Academy Award winning documentary "The Cove" singing the classic Charlie Chaplin song "Smile".

KCRW's Nic Harcourt, the former host of "Morning Becomes Eclectic", featured Gaby in an October 2008 podcast and bestowed "top tune" status for the day to her song entitled “Song of You”. This from a man who, in his own words, helped musicians like Coldplay, Dido, and Norah Jones get on the map and achieve stardom. And show producer, Ariana Morgenstern, had this to say about Gaby: “Her debut recording, Still the Unknown, caught me by surprise with its organic and understated feel. She sings beautifully both in English and in Spanish.”

In August 2009 Gaby toured with Tracy Chapman and in November 2009 and January 2010, she was thrilled to open for the fiercely independent and adventurous soul, Ani DiFranco, on her east coast tour. Taking a cue from the most successful independent artist previously mentioned, all of Gaby's tours have been without the aid of a booking agent nor label, something she's animatedly proud of.

Whether she's belting an old Spanish romantic song or ripping up funky blues inspired riffs, Gaby Moreno is on the rise. She's excited for a new decade, new changes, and new challenges.

And what truly matters to Gaby is whether her fans and fellow artists respect and honor her work. Los Angeles Women in Music can proclaim an emphatic... YES!

CELEBRATION PHOTOS
M Bar, Hollywood
photos courtesy of Andrea Ross-Greene

GABY MORENO

01/26