Only five years old, Cruz distinguished himself via talent shows and competitions as a sonero. Soon he started singing coro for Pedro Conga y Su Orquesta Internacional, as well as singing sessions for Roberto Lugo, Pedro Arroyo, and Mario Ortiz, to name a few. He was signed to the Musical Productions label, releasing his solo debut, Algo Nuevo, in 1990. The disc went gold, generating radio hits like "Si Supieras" and "Tu Traicion." Cruz's follow-up release, Para Ti in 1993 was less successfull. Cruz's third self-titled release featured the popular song "Cuanto Te Amo," getting him back on the charts after a six-years. Una Vez Mas was released in 1998. Cruz spent toured extensively throughout Latin America. He stayed with one label for the majority of his recording career. Cruz released two more records with Musical Productions, Un Nuevo Amanecer in 2002 and Para Mi Gente in 2007. The former generated a good deal of radio play through 2003 and 2004 with songs like "Que Bombon" and "Ven."
#2 With his cute baby face, captivating eyes, sexy physique, soulful voice, classy attire, shy-guy demeanour, fun-loving attitude and slick stage act, Anthony Cruz is regarded as one of the most charismatic entertainers around. And boy, does he have the ladies weak! There's no mistaking the mesmerising effect he has on the ladies. After nine years of holding his own in the music business, this talented singer is cruising his way to becoming one of Jamaica's greatest singers.
BORN ROHAN SMITH on December 17, 1974, Anthony Cruz grew up in Mandeville, Manchester. Hailing from a talented musical family - being the nephew of the celebrated singer Garnett Silk, as well as having a mother and father 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, Cruz 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 learnt 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), with several others to follow. 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 spread. The singer's debut album followed. Produced by Willie Lindo and titled 'Where There Is Love', the album featured the title track as well as the big hits 'When You Get Lonely' and 'Love Will Never Die', among others. The quiet, soft-spoken singer continued recording several tracks for Lindo, as well as making his name as a smooth performer on stage shows and club events in Miami, New York, Bahamas, among other parts of the world, working with some of Jamaica's top acts.
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 back home became a hit. Recorded on the Chemist label, the song was titled 'Maria Maria' (a cover of the Santana/Product G&B big hit).
The lovers' rock singer went on to record for other producers, releasing tunes like the popular 'Them Boy Deh Nuh Really Know We' for CJ Records, with an accompanying music video; and 'You Remind Me' for John John.
Always sticking to his themes of love, culture and reality lyrics, Cruz's more recent releases include the popular, big hit 'You Got It Bad' for Mixing Finger, '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', among others. Cruz has also been working the stage show circuit, showcasing his unique style and soulful voice on several big gigs the likes of Sting, Rebel Salute, 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.
Continuing on the path to take his career to the ultimate level, Anthony Cruz signed a management, booking and recording contract with Fifth Element Records in the summer of 2000. After five successful years he departed in September 2005 and has now branched out on his own with the new recording label, Shanshan Music. His new album "Mama Blessing" is scheduled to be launched in December 2005 and given the popularity of some of the tracks, even though they have not been offically released, this is one of the most eargerly anticipated reggae albums in a long time.
Striving to be the most famous singer ever, Cruz is now focusing heavily on recording mainly original tracks of lyrics he has written. Considering that he is so engrossed in music that he sings morning, noon and night…even in his sleep…the world can expect great things from this talented singer and songwriter.
http://www.jahcruz.com/bio.htm
half way tree
Anthony Cruz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
hey.
when u want fi met a country girl, when u wan fi met an up town girl, when u wan met girl way work a bank, girls way love that prunk
just go to halfway tree
The lyrics to Anthony Cruz's song "Halfway Tree" are focused on the central location of Half-Way Tree in Kingston, Jamaica. The song describes Half-Way Tree as the place to go if you're looking to meet different types of girls, including country girls, uptown girls, and girls who work at the bank. The reference to "prunk" in the lyrics is a nod to the idea that the girls there love to party and have a good time.
The song's lyrics are cleverly written and provide a sense of the vibrancy and energy of life in Half-Way Tree. The use of Jamaican patois adds to the authenticity of the lyrics and helps to convey the mood of the song. Although the lyrics may seem simple, they are effective in capturing the essence of the Half-Way Tree scene.
Interestingly, the song takes its name from the actual Half-Way Tree location, which is a major transportation hub in Kingston. The area is known for its bustling markets and lively nightlife, and the song effectively captures this atmosphere. The lyrics also reflect the diversity of people who frequent the area, from bankers to country folks to uptown residents.
Overall, "Halfway Tree" is a lively and upbeat song that celebrates the vibrant culture and energy of Half-Way Tree. It is a great example of the way that music can reflect the character and life of a specific place, and it remains popular with music fans around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
hoooo hooo nanana hey.
The singer greets his listeners with energetic sounds and a friendly, welcoming demeanor.
when u want fi met a country girl,
If you're looking to meet a girl from rural areas who is grounded and down-to-earth,
when u wan fi met an up town girl,
Or if you prefer a sophisticated, city girl,
when u wan met girl way work a bank,
Perhaps someone who works in finance and has a stable job,
girls way love that prunk
Or maybe someone who enjoys partying and having a good time,
just go to halfway tree
You can find all of these types of women in the area known as Half Way Tree.
Contributed by Grace M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Phrixphrox
Yes! What a great tune and video too! Love Anthony Cruz - superb voice and positive lyrics.
Co vaano
Tru
andrew young
Still love this !!!!!
Lady Elle
Dancing to this in September 2020 ❤ it!
Judy M
love this song :)
rose bud
always classic God bless you Anthony Cruz just keep the faith my Condolences bless
Theresa Jackson
Tears of sadness for the family of these persons who have lost their lives senselessly and another blow to jamaica's image, when are we going to learn that violence is not the answer.
Theresa Jackson
RIP to him,his daughter and her mother's family.
Mr. Majani
You mean Bugle?
G. Jones
Halfway Tree stayed there..big up Kingston and JA..nice tune mun!!