Storm Gardner, born Lee Gardner on February 20, 1973 in Edinburgh, Scotland, had humble beginnings. Raised by his single father, Robert Gardner, who worked as a welder in the shipyards of Leith, Storm grew up in a lower working class household on the Royal Mile.
At the age of 14, Storm made the bold decision to drop out of school and move to the United States in pursuit of a better life and to make his dreams of becoming a successful musician a reality. Before his big move, he worked as a waiter at Pizza Hut while still living in Edinburgh.
Upon arriving in the US, Storm began pursuing his music career with determination and passion. He caught his big break when he auditioned for the hit reality TV show, The X Factor UK, in 2010. Competing under the stage name Storm Lee, he made it to the 9th place before being eliminated from the competition.
Despite not winning The X Factor, Storm’s talent and resilience caught the attention of industry professionals. He went on to work as a professional background singer on the popular TV show Glee for six seasons, showcasing his vocal prowess and versatility.
Storm’s creativity and talent extend beyond singing. He has proven himself as a versatile artist, working as a makeup artist in New York, a drag performer in Brooklyn, and a demo singer for various rock and pop acts. His diverse skill set and willingness to experiment in different artistic realms have made him a unique and sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
Storm’s impressive resume includes credits in the movie musical Rock of Ages, starring Tom Cruise, as well as appearances on records by esteemed artists such as Carrie Underwood, Ricky Martin, Meatloaf, and Ozzy Osbourne. His contributions to these projects have further solidified his reputation as a skilled and versatile performer.
Storm Gardner’s journey from a working-class upbringing in Scotland to a successful and respected artist in the US is a testament to his hard work, talent, and perseverance. Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, Storm has remained true to his passion for music and art, inspiring others to follow their dreams no matter where they come from.
As a Grammy-nominated songwriter, published author, and host of The Pop Chef, Storm continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of music, travel, and culture. His story serves as a reminder that with dedication and grit, anything is possible in the world of entertainment.