Alexia Gardner facts for kids

Alexia Elowise Benz-Gardner (born on August 2, 1968) is a talented singer, songwriter, and music producer. She was born in Birmingham, England, and also grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. As a child, Alexia sang in many church events and competitions. She often performed with her sister, Paula, in a singing group called "High Profile."

After the sisters decided to follow different paths, Alexia released her first album, Rest of your life, in 2002. Her next album, Jammin, came out in 2005. This was her last album recorded in Shanghai, China, before she moved to Switzerland. In 2009, she released Chasing Hope with a Swiss band called the Offbeat Trio. This album was very successful, earning Alexia nominations for two Grammy Awards. Her most recent album, A Little Closer, was released in 2011.

Alexia also has a passion for acting. She studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. After graduating, she acted in several small plays. Later, she starred as Aida in the musical Aida in Switzerland. In 2014, Alexia and her husband, Markus, moved to New York City. She made her New York debut in September 2015 with a show called "Alexia Gardner in Manhattan." A documentary with the same name was also released, sharing her journey and life in New York.

Early Life

Alexia Elowise Gardner was born in Birmingham, England. Her mother, Gloria Gardner, was a chef, and her father, Owen Gardner, was a welder. Alexia was named after her grandfather, Alexander. She is the oldest of three children. Her sister, Paula, was born in 1969, and her brother, Anthony, in 1971. After being born in the UK, Alexia and her siblings lived with their aunt and uncle in Jamaica for five years. Then, they returned to their hometown in England.

As children, Alexia and Paula loved to sing. They often performed at church services and events. Soon, they formed a singing duo called "High Profile." Their parents supported their musical dreams. Paula took piano lessons, and Alexia took singing lessons. They combined their skills for their duo. After many years of performing together, the sisters decided to go their separate ways for university. Paula became a teacher, while Alexia continued to follow her interests in music and drama. She attended the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Career

1989–2005: Cruise Ships and Asia

After finishing drama school in 1989, Alexia first taught in schools in her hometown. She put her music dreams on hold for a short time. However, a few years later, in 1996, she got an exciting chance. She became an entertainer on a cruise ship called the MS Sapphire.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Alexia began her journey in Asia. She performed at hotels, starting in Hong Kong. Then she moved to Singapore, where she and her sister sang the South African National Anthem for Nelson Mandela. After that, she went to Jakarta. She spent the longest time in Shanghai, China. This is where she married Markus Benz, who also became her manager.

Moving to Shanghai was a big step for Alexia. In 2002, she released her first album, "Rest of your Life." This album helped her become well-known in Shanghai's jazz music scene. She started meeting important people in the music world there.

2006–2014: Goodbye Shanghai, Hello Switzerland

In July 2006, after releasing her second album, "Jammin," Alexia moved to Switzerland. This is her husband's home country. She quickly started working there. She teamed up with the Offbeat Trio, a Swiss band. She also created the Alexia Gardner Trio. Both groups performed with her at many shows in Switzerland, France, Germany, and Austria.

Her next album, "Chasing Hope," came out in 2009. This album was nominated for two Grammy Awards in the same year. It was recorded with the Offbeat Trio. In 2011, the album also won the Swiss Jazz Award. "Chasing Hope" had 14 songs, including many classic jazz tunes and new original songs. The title song, "Chasing Hope," was inspired by her move from Shanghai to Switzerland. She missed her niece, Alexia Hope, very much after moving away from her sister and niece. Her family also appeared on the album. Her sister Paula and niece Alexia Hope sang harmonies on the song "Island in the Sun." Paula also sang on another song called "Moon River."

Between her second and third albums, Alexia took a short break from music. She performed on stage as the Nubian princess, Aida, in the musical of the same name. This show was put on by the West Side Singers Switzerland.

Her third album, "A Little Closer," was the last one recorded in Switzerland. One of the songs on this album was about her possible move to New York. After deciding to move, Alexia went on a short tour in Switzerland. She sang her most popular songs, and her final show was completely sold out.

2014–present: Alexia Gardner in Manhattan

Alexia moved from Switzerland to New York in 2014. About ten months later, in September 2015, she made her New York debut. She performed at Symphony Space for the first time. Many fans, old friends, and family members were there to support her. A few months later, Alexia released her documentary called "Alexia Gardner in Manhattan." This film, made with Little River Productions, showed her life and music journey.

In early 2016, Alexia announced that she would be releasing her fourth album soon. It will be called "Hanging with Mr. Man."

Personal Life

Family

Music is a very important part of Alexia's family life. Her sister, niece, father, and cousins are all musicians. It's common for her to feature her family members at her events. For example, on New Year's Eve in 2012–13, Alexia sang a duet version of "Mo Betta Blues" with her niece, Alexia Hope. Her niece also performed a song by Alicia Keys called "No One." Alexia and her husband have strong ties to Switzerland. They have a good relationship with the Swiss Consulate in New York, which helped sponsor her New York debut.

Artistry

Voice

Alexia's voice can cover three octaves, which means she has a very wide singing range. Her lower notes sound full and rich. She also has a beautiful falsetto voice, which she developed from classical and opera training when she was younger. Alexia often says that her music is Jazz, or a mix of Jazz with parts of R&B, Pop, and Reggae.

Influences

Alexia has named Barbra Streisand as a big influence. She said Streisand "taught me that my voice was my instrument and I have to care for it." When she first started her career, she was also inspired by Diana Ross and later by Sarah Vaughn.

Discography