Edgar Cruz Explained

Edgar Cruz is an independent classical and fingerstyle guitarist from Oklahoma City. Cruz has recorded 19 CDs in styles ranging from classical to flamenco to pop to jazz. Cruz is perhaps best known for his fingerstyle arrangement of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". Cruz was featured in the 2004 documentary entitled Spanish Blood: The Guitar of Edgar Cruz produced by OETA (Oklahoma's PBS affiliate).[1] He performs hundreds of times a year[2] and has performed in 43 states and in Mexico, Peru, France, England, and Italy.[3]

Early life

Edgar Michael Cruz[4] was born in Oklahoma City[5] to Manuel Cruz II and Socorro Cruz.[6] He has five siblings, including his brother Mark Anthony Cruz[7] who is also a musician. He began playing guitar in 1976[8] when his father, Manuel Cruz II,[9] a mariachi musician, taught him how to play.[10] Manuel was from Matahuala, Mexico, and learned guitar from Armando Castenada of San Antonio, Texas. Manuel immigrated from Mexico to Oklahoma City in 1947.[11] Edgar Cruz studied classical guitar at Oklahoma City University, graduating in 1986. He also attended Oklahoma City Community College, earning an associate's degree in drafting.[12] Manuel, Mark, and Edgar have toured together as the Cruz Family Trio. He made early cassette recordings The Best of Edgar Cruz Vol. I-IV in the 1980s,[13] prior to releasing Throw Another Tape on the Fire as a compact disc.[14]

Discography

Notes and References

  1. News: Soldan . Peggy . Gallery gives inside look at Edgar Cruz . 6 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 6 May 2004.
  2. News: Brown . Rick . Classic sound . 6 February 2024 . Kearney Hub . 20 January 2011.
  3. News: Bartlett . Jean . Message of strings with guitarists Edgar Cruz and Antsy McCain . 6 February 2024 . Pacifica Tribune . 14 January 2009.
  4. News: Fiesta enjoyed . 6 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 18 October 1983.
  5. News: Solo guitarist Edgar Cruz appearing Saturday at Sanchez Concert Hall . 6 February 2024 . Pacifica Tribune . 13 August 2003.
  6. News: Davis . Sandi . Performers shared a dedication, lifelong love of music . 6 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 28 February 2003.
  7. News: Carter . Richard . Cruz control guitarist multi-faceted . 6 February 2024 . Wichita Falls Times Record News . 1 November 2013.
  8. News: Rogers . Rick . Edgar Cruz offers silver anniversary recital . 6 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 11 September 2011.
  9. News: Brandenburg . John . Hispanic week begins with a concert . 6 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 14 September 1981.
  10. News: Brockman . Anne . Encore encore . 6 February 2024 . Tulsa World . 19 September 2007.
  11. News: Hicks . Megan . Cruz . 6 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 14 December 1986.
  12. News: Hicks . Megan . Guitar playing family drives on Cruz-control . 6 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 14 December 1986.
  13. News: Davis . Chuck . City guitarist showcases talents on cassettes . 8 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 17 December 1989.
  14. News: 30 years after his first CD, Edgar Cruz is still making his guitars do whatever he wants them to. . 8 February 2024 . KFOR . 18 September 2019.
  15. News: Edgar Cruz . 8 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 23 December 1988.
  16. News: Davis . Chuck . Edgar Cruz Classical Demands . 8 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 13 January 1991.
  17. News: Cruzing into the holidays . 8 February 2024 . The Yukon Weekly . 14 December 1994.
  18. News: Watts . James . Bartlesville symphony to host guitarist . 8 February 2024 . Tulsa World . 16 November 2002.
  19. News: Guitarist to perform two jazz lab concerts . 8 February 2024 . The Daily Oklahoman . 5 May 2007.

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