Taana Gardner facts for kids

Taana Gardner is an American singer born on September 3, 1960. She became famous for her disco and post-disco music, especially through West End Records starting in 1979. She was also a member of a group called the Aural Exciters.

Taana Gardner's Early Life

Taana Gardner was born in Newark, New Jersey, where she still lives today. Her grandmother was a professional opera singer, so music was in her family!

Taana started her musical journey when she was just eleven years old. She loved theater and joined the Harlem Children's Theater Group. Her first big show was at Lincoln Center. She played a high priestess in a musical called "Land of the Egyptian," which she also helped write. Later, Taana performed with the Dance Theater of Harlem and the National Black Theater.

Her Music Career Begins

How Taana Started in Music

Taana Gardner was a very important singer for West End Records. This record label in New York City released popular disco music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. From a young age, Taana knew she wanted to act and sing. Her grandmother, who was an opera singer, started giving her singing lessons when Taana was only five years old. Even before she was a teenager, she was already writing plays! Her work was shown at famous places like the Lincoln Center and the Apollo.

It was a bit of a happy accident that Taana became involved in the disco music scene. A music producer and songwriter named Kenton Nix had a song called "Work That Body" that needed a singer. An early version of the song was played for Larry Levan, a popular DJ at the Paradise Garage club. Larry loved it and quickly introduced Kenton Nix to Mel Cheren, who owned West End Records and was also part of the Paradise Garage.

Mel Cheren set up the recording session for Kenton Nix. But on the day they were supposed to record, the singer who was planned to sing got sick. It was Thanksgiving Day in 1978. Kenton Nix's brother, who worked for Taana's father, called the Gardner home. He invited Taana to come and sing. Taana said yes! She recorded her vocals that day. She even got another singing job on the same day! Members of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band heard her voice and asked her to sing on their record. This record became Spooks in Space by the Aural Exciters.

Disco Hits and Famous Songs

"Work That Body," with a special mix by DJ Larry Levan, became a huge hit at the Paradise Garage club right away. This led to many more classic songs from West End Records. Kenton Nix wrote these songs, Taana Gardner sang them, and Larry Levan made them perfect for the dance floor.

In 1979, songs like "We Can Work It Out," "When You Touch Me," "Just Be a Friend," and "Paradise Express" were released. Then, in 1981, came the very popular song "Heartbeat." This song was so famous that parts of it were used in other well-known songs. These included "Lyrics 2 the Rhythm" from the "New Jack City" movie soundtrack, Ini Kamoze's hit "Here Comes the Hotstepper" from 1995, and De La Soul's "B.U.D.D.Y. Remix" from 1989. Another song, "No Frills," also came out in 1981.

Later Music and Collaborations

After her big success, Taana Gardner took a break from the spotlight for several years. She wanted to spend more time with her children. In 1985, she released another song produced by Kenton Nix called "Over You." Around the same time, she released "You Can't Keep Coming In and Out of My Life." In 1992, she released her version of LaBelle's song "What Can I Do for You?"

In 1998, Taana worked with Kenton Nix and West End Records again for the song "I'm Comin'." Four years later, West End Records released a collection of her songs called Anthology of a Diva. Taana Gardner has also shared her singing talents with many other artists. These include famous groups and singers like Kool & the Gang, Peabo Bryson, Edwin Starr, and Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.

Albums

• 1979: Taana Gardner (West End)

Singles

• 1979: "Work That Body" - US Dance #10
• 1979: "When You Touch Me" - US Dance #10
• 1981: "Heartbeat" - US R&B #10, US Dance #6
• 1981: "No Frills" - US Dance #52
• 1988: "You Can't Keep Coming In And Out Of My Life"
• 1991: "Over You"
• 1992: "What Can I Do for You" - US Dance #47
• 1998: "I'm Comin' " - US Dance #35
• 2000: "Work That Body (Remix)" - US Dance #11