Joe Henry Cruz, one of a set of twin brothers in a family of three sets of twins, was born on September 7th, 1946 near the central Texas town of Caldwell, to a musical family of 12 brothers and sisters. Fascinating as it is, he also shares his birth date of September 7th with his wife Judy, and their wedding anniversary is on the same day as their birth date. This unique interesting man began his musical career during his junior year in high school, by forming a soul band "The Romans" with the help of some friends. After a hitch in the Air Force, he settled in the Texas town of Houston and created his most famous band "Joe Cruz and the Cruisers." In 1980 he signed an artist management, writing, and recording deal with Gilley's Inc., in Pasadena. During that time he had 25 songs published with Gilley's Inc., and 4 with another publisher in Houston, and had 3 albums and 10 singles released of his writing works. During the "Urban Cowboy" craze days, he performed regularly at the famous Gilley's club, which gave him the opportunity to work with many country stars and make numerous television appearances on the Gilley's T.V. show. After a down turn in the mid '80's in the club business, Joe relocated to Fort Worth to re-evaluate his career and soon joined the country band "Pony Express," while working his way through three years at TCJC majoring in automotive service technology. In August of 1992 he was a founding member of the Fort Worth Songwriter's Association and served two terms as Executive Vice-President, and two and a half terms as President. His F.W.S.A. board service and leadership proved to be as unique and motivating as the man himself, "Joe Cruz" is today, and has been a prime factor in the success of F.W.S.A. as a professional songwriter's organization. The year 1997 brought about yet another relocation of career advancement for Joe, to Nashville Tennessee where he currently is writing with Jimmy Payne (Woman, Woman by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap) and Denny Martin of Martin Studios.
Published Works
25 songs published with Gilley's Inc., two of which are, "Urban Cowboy" and "Houston Honky Tonk Man"
4 songs published in Houston, one of which is "Standing In Your Way"
"That's Life" published by Sherrill Blackman of SGB Music Group
* "It's Better To Be Lucky Than Rich" published by SGB Music. Co-Written by Denny Martin
Credits
Soul band "The Romans" and famous band "Joe Cruz and the Cruisers", and played with the band "Pony Express"
Artist management, writing, and recording deal with Gilley's Inc.
Numerous appearances on the Gilley's Television show.
3 Albums and 10 Singles released
Projects
Currently writing with Jimmy Payne (Woman, Woman by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap) and Denny Martin of Martin Studios
Biography
* Memberships and Affiliations
Member of the Fort Worth Songwriter's Association since it's inception August 1992, served two terms as Executive Vice-president 1992 & 1993, and served two and a half terms in office as President 1994, 1996 and half of 1997
Member of the Nashville Songwriter's Association International
* Awards and Recognitio
1995 "Song Of The Year Award" co-writer of "That's Life" at the 18th Annual Terry Awards
Skills
Songwriting, Lyrics and Melodies
Musician, Guitar
Vocal Artist, Recording and Live Performance
Production and Arrangements
All material presented here are copyrighted © Fort Worth Songwriter's Association, 2004
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