My real name is Craig Fletcher. I decided to go by 'Johnny Cruz' as a stage name. I'll explain that later.

I was born in October 1955 in Newton, KS. I grew up in Wichita, 20 miles south of Newton. I attended Gardiner Elementary School, Mead Junior High, and East High School.

I have three sisters and one brother. A large family. I had a great childhood!

I always loved music. I learned to play the trumpet in school and took up the guitar at about the same time.

I was blown away by the Beatles and they became my most powerful musical influence.

About this time I discovered Andres Segovia and began to study classical guitar.
(Wow, look how thin I was!)

At age 30 I co-founded 'The Benders'. This band would consume all my energies for the next 20 years.

This is when I started using the name 'Johnny Cruz'. We all thought it had a better 'rock-n-roll' kinda feel to it. After 20 years I got used to it so I decided to keep it.

At age 37 I became a father. This is a very tired dad with his son Bobby, just a few days old.

Here he is at age 12, clowning for the camera!