Anthony Cruz “Independent”/”I’ve Been Waiting” (2002)

@LeoOReggio
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ANTHONY CRUZ is a singer, songwriter, producer, nephew of reggae singer “GARNET SILK” and his soulful voice and classy attire have many people referring to him as one of the most charismatic entertainers. There’s no mistaking the mesmerizing effect he has on the ladies.

Born ROWAN SMITH on December 17th, Anthony Cruz grew up in Mandeville, Manchester. Hailing from a talented musical family, with uncle Garnett Silk, cousin Aaron Silk and parents who were excellent singers – Cruz was convinced from a young age that he was destined to be a great singer. After graduating from Holmwood Technical High School, he migrated to the United States, spending a few years in New York before moving to Miami. In 1993, while residing in Miami, fate would lead him to meet producer Willie Lindo who was impressed with a demo tape he heard of the artiste.

Lindo decided to take him under his wings, working with the young singer to hone his rich vocals. Under his management, Cruz’s career blossomed and the singer learned the ropes of the entertainment business. Convinced the world was ready for him, Lindo released Cruz’s debut single, ‘Tell Me What’s Up’ (an original). It wasn’t long before Cruz became a hit in Miami with the number one tune, ‘Just Call My Name’. The single made him a household name, and as it made its way to the airwaves and charts in New York, England, and other places, Cruz’s popularity increased.

He consequently released his debut album titled ‘Where There Is Love’ produced by Willie Lindo. The album featured the title track, ‘When You Get Lonely’ and ‘Love Will Never Die’. In 1999, Cruz decided to return to Jamaica to claim his piece of the pie in the land of his birth and the home of Reggae music. The first song he recorded was titled ‘Maria Maria’ (a cover of the Santana/Product G&B big hit) on the Chemist label. The lovers’ rock singer went on to record for other producers, releasing tunes like the popular ‘Dem Boy Deh Nuh Really Know We’ for CJ Records, ‘You Remind Me’ for John John, “Closer I Get to You”, ‘Single Once Again’, ‘In The Club’ (a combination with Louie Culture), ‘Crazy Over You’, ‘Love Has Taken Over Me’, ‘Turn It Up’, ‘I Pray’, ‘A Man’s Weakness’ and his big hit ‘You Got It Bad’ for Mixing Finger.

His sophomore album “Mama Blessing” and the title track were released in December 2005. After five successful years with label mates Richie Spice & Chuck Fender, he departed in September 2005 and launched his independent recording label, Shanshan Music with popular singles such as “Never Too Much” featuring BEENIE MAN, “Burn Dem” featuring CAPLETON, “I Won’t Wait” by LUCIANO and “Anthony Cruz & Friends – Formula Riddim” compilation cd featuring Luciano, Capleton, Richie Spice, Teflon, Spanner Banner, Mitch, Mr. Perfect, Mitch & Symfoni. His 3rd album “Fight With All Your Might” was released on Penthouse/VP Records in April 2008 and he established “CRUZ-I Publishing” with performance rights society ASCAP. The single “Fly Away With Me” from the album was featured in Dr. AASA TV Program in Denmark, Finland, and Norway according to ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers) in 2010.

Cruz released two thought-provoking songs & videos in 2010 titled “Back Downtown” and “Leaders Of The World.” Former Prime Minister, BRUCE GOLDING endorsed “Back Downtown” during the Tivoli Resolution Project. The song was a tribute to the creativity and the tirelessness of the people who live and work in the Downtown Kingston commercial district and highlight the positives of downtown in the post-Tivoli incursion era. The video was directed by ASHA and has a cameo by the legendary Dean Fraser on saxophone. nd computer lab to help keep fifty children in ST MARYS school.

Over the years Cruz showcased his unique style and soulful voice on prominent events such as Sting, Irie Jamboree, GT Taylor Extravaganza, Rebel Salute, Reggae Sunsplash, Rottom Reggae Splash, Summerjam, Capleton “St Mary Me Come From”, Stone Love’s annual anniversary dance, not to mention several school fetes where the girls swarm him like bees to honey as he charms his way into their hearts.

As a versatile artist, Cruz always explores themes of love, culture, and reality lyrics with songs like: ‘People Ballin’ on the truths & Rights riddim for Bobby Konders (Massive B Label), Dem Block Di Road, Mama’s Blessings, Turn It Up, Half Way Tree, No Gun a Dance, Woman I Love, Woman 24-7, Lose Dem Head, Respect, You’ll Think Of Me and Only The Father on John Johns’ remake of Bob Marley Coming in from the cold riddim.

Considering that he is so engrossed in the music that he sings morning, noon, and night…even in his sleep…the world can continue to expect great things from this talented singer and songwriter.