Rotary Voices Podcast: Episode Summary Featuring Grammy-Winning Rotary Ambassador Gaby Moreno

Published on November 27, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Rotary Voices podcast, hosted by Sylvia Perez from Rotary Magazine, listeners are treated to an intimate conversation with Gaby Moreno, a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer. Moreno shares her inspiring journey from her roots in Guatemala to international acclaim, highlighting the profound influence of Rotary International on her life and career.

Gaby Moreno’s Journey and Musical Career

Gaby Moreno’s passion for music was ignited during a pivotal trip to New York City as a teenager. Inspired by a woman singing the blues on the streets, Moreno was motivated to pursue a musical career in the United States. She relocated to Los Angeles after high school, where her dedication bore fruit when she won the Song of the Year award at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2007—the first Latin category entry to achieve this honor.

Today, Moreno boasts nine studio albums that blend Latin, folk, and alternative genres. Her accolades include a Grammy Award and an Emmy nomination. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Bono, Andrea Bocelli, and the Buena Vista Social Club. Notably, she performed the TV theme song for Disney's first Latina princess, Elena of Avalor, and co-wrote the theme song for NBC’s Parks and Recreation. One of her most memorable performances occurred in February 2023, when she visited a small farming village in Guatemala alongside Rotary International past President Jennifer Jones, underscoring her deep ties to her homeland and Rotary’s mission.

Connection to Rotary and Family Influence

Moreno’s connection to Rotary is deeply rooted in her family. Her father and uncle have been dedicated Rotary members for over three decades, actively involved in projects such as providing wheelchairs to those in need and assisting communities near the active Fuego volcano. Reflecting on her upbringing, Moreno shares:

"It's always very inspiring to see that growing up and how my dad would always go to meetings and go to the projects that they were doing... from a very early age, that I wanted to help others and I wanted to be a part of that change."
— Gaby Moreno [04:06]

These early experiences instilled in her a strong desire to give back, a value that continues to guide her philanthropic efforts today.

Rotary Literacy Project in Guatemala

Moreno discusses her involvement with the Rotary Literacy Project in Guatemala, a collaboration with the Coed Cooperative for Education. Last year, she accompanied the project team to rural communities, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of education on young lives. She recounts meeting a young girl who had flourished academically thanks to Rotary’s support:

"She was already reading and writing. And that's something that's very important to me because I know that these children have big dreams and they can make them a reality once they have the proper tools and the education."
— Gaby Moreno [05:16]

She emphasizes the critical need for education in Guatemala, where poverty forces many children to abandon their studies after sixth grade to support their families. Moreno aspires to see every child in Guatemala receive an education, enabling them to pursue their dreams.

Impact of Rotary on Gaby Moreno’s Philanthropy

Moreno’s philanthropic endeavors extend beyond the Rotary Literacy Project. She serves as UNICEF's first National Ambassador in Guatemala and collaborates with local nonprofits supporting children who are blind and deaf—initiatives spearheaded by her uncle and aunt. Additionally, she has donated computers to schools through other nonprofits, leading some institutions to honor her contributions by naming classrooms after her.

Her commitment to giving back is further influenced by her education at Monte Maria, an all-girls Catholic school in Guatemala. The school’s emphasis on community service through projects like visiting orphanages and old age homes left a lasting impression on her:

"I feel like that really sparked something in me... seeing the work that my dad was doing with Rotary, I mean, I always thought, man, I want to do that. I want to give back, I want to help out."
— Gaby Moreno [18:01]

Musical Influences and Artistic Evolution

Moreno’s musical style is a rich tapestry influenced by diverse genres. She describes her music as Latin Americana, a blend of American roots music—including blues, folk, and rock—with Latin rhythms. Her exposure to blues during a transformative trip to New York at age 13, where she encountered Chicago blues for the first time, left an indelible mark on her artistry:

"I found that Chicago blues was a huge, huge inspiration to me... It informs a lot, not just my lyrics, but also just my melodies and the feeling that I put into the music."
— Gaby Moreno [14:56]

One of her signature songs, "Fronteras," originally about her journey from Guatemala to the U.S., has evolved into an anthem of hope and new beginnings for Guatemalan children, especially during Independence Month. Moreno expresses delight in how her music resonates with and empowers the youth:

"It's so beautiful... It's a song that speaks about hope and about a new beginning, a new dawn, and about moving forward and following your dreams."
— Gaby Moreno [07:50]

Awards, Accomplishments, and Collaborations

Moreno’s career is marked by significant milestones. Winning a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for producing Cuban legend Omara Portundo are among her notable achievements. Her collaborations have also elevated her profile. A standout moment was her duet with Ricardo Arjona in 2011 on the song "Fuisted," which became a major hit in Latin America, boosting her recognition in the region.

Reflecting on her accolades, Moreno shares the surreal experience of winning a Grammy, a dream she penned in her childhood notebook:

"I felt like I was floating in the clouds. Somebody just asked me. I just played a festival, and I was hanging out in the green room with other artists, and somebody asked me about it, and I was like, oh, my gosh. Really? Did that happen?"
— Gaby Moreno [10:16]

Future Plans and Rotary Ambassador Role

Looking ahead, Moreno plans to continue touring in support of her latest album, Dusk, while also delving deeper into music production and writing for TV and film. Her role as a Rotary Ambassador aligns seamlessly with her values and aspirations. She is committed to leveraging her music and social platforms to amplify Rotary’s global initiatives:

"Whatever I can do, whether it's through my music, through my social platforms, I wanna just keep bringing awareness of what Rotary is doing all over the world."
— Gaby Moreno [19:44]

Moreno is eager to collaborate with Rotary on future projects, expressing enthusiasm about the potential for joint initiatives that further Rotary’s mission of service and community improvement.

Conclusion

Gaby Moreno’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to giving back. Her journey from a young girl in Guatemala inspired by street musicians to an internationally acclaimed artist and Rotary Ambassador exemplifies the profound impact of Rotary International on individual lives and communities. Through her music and philanthropic efforts, Moreno continues to inspire and empower others, embodying the Rotary values of service, leadership, and fellowship.

For more insights and inspiring stories, listen to the full episode of Rotary Voices featuring Gaby Moreno.