John Garza
johngarza.com
www.artistlaunch.com/johngarza
www.starpolish.com/johngarza

	Listen To: One Armed Girl
	Listen To: Cutsy Wutsy
	Listen To: Reggae Revelation

Artist Statement
Being a professional musician for over 30 years has allowed me to refine my writing so that I can write in what ever genre I feel. I don't like being put in a box or package. Although I have done alright over the years as a player in bands and a single artist, if I was in it for the money I would quit today. Music is not a way to make a living it is living. I think what's important in a song is the message, and the musician is a vehicle for the message.

Bio
Born in Houston Texas John started singing at 6 years of age with "a voice that made the old ladies cry". In his teens he spent a lot of time playing at coffee houses "Sand Mountain" (where Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt got started) etc and parties with friends. He won outstanding vocalist in Houston while in the band The Midnight Shift and opened for local bands like Fever Tree and The Moving Sidewalks (Later became ZZ Top). Moving to Austin TX at twenty John played every venue and opened for people like The Vaughn Brothers (Stevie Ray & Jimmy), Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Rush, Marcia Ball, Robert Shaw (renowned barellhouse pianist), Doug Sahm and the Texas Tornados, and sang with people like Lucinda Williams and Nanci Griffith. Winning the songwriters contest at the Kerrville (TX) Folk Festival in the early 70's he was joined at the winners concert by one of the judges David Amram well known jazz musician and composer for the New York Philharmonic. Later John appeared on the BF Deal Sampler Vol 1 as oneof four artists along with Nanci Griffith. More recently John has opened for people like Taj Mahal, The Outlaws, Jesse Winchester, John Stewart (Kingston Trio fame) and Alice Walker (The Color Purple). John has always been fond of the Theater and has performed in such roles as Ron in "HAIR"(1990) opening the show as lead vocalist in "Aquarius", Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1993) and Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" (1999). From his home in Northern Arizona John has found a new place in the music scene on the Internet already within a few months time he has recieved rave reviews. With more than 20 years computer experience and his abiltiy as a musician John strives to bring his message to the world.

Career Highlights/Vital Stats
2nd place in Search For Stars in Houston TX age 12
Awarded Gold medal at UIL for Madrigal and Tenor age 15
Outstanding Vocalist Award in Houston Battle of the Bands Age 17
Winner of the songwriters contest Kerrville (TX) Folk Festival early 70's
BF Deal Sampler Vol 1, one of four featured artists released mid 70's
Backup vocalist on "Fool For A Blonde" (Bartlett) from the movie classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (link on home page)
CD "Fool's Dance" released March 2001 on John's Indie Label (Puro Pedo Productions) John Garza all vocals, instruments, engineering, and production. (not signed)

Influences/Similar To
Influenced by: John Lennon, Cat Stevens, David Crosby, Peter Gabriel, and more. This doesn't mean I sound like them.

Band Members
John Garza