Joonas Parkkonen, known by his stage name Johnny Cruz, was born on January 30, 1992 in Finland. He is a talented guitarist and songwriter, best recognized for his work with the Finnish glam rock band Santa Cruz.
Parkkonen's musical journey began at a young age when he formed Santa Cruz with his bandmate Arttu "Archie" Kuosmanen as teenagers. The pair bonded over their shared love of music and performing, eventually adding bassist Mitja "Middy" Toivonen and drummer Tapani "Taz" Fagerström to the lineup. Together, they created a unique sound that would later propel them to success in the music industry.
In April 2013, Santa Cruz released their debut studio album, Screaming for Adrenaline. The album quickly gained popularity, cracking the Finnish top 40 charts. This achievement marked the beginning of a successful career for Parkkonen and his bandmates.
As Santa Cruz's popularity grew, they caught the attention of the TKO Agency, leading to a tour throughout the United Kingdom in 2013. The band's energetic live performances and musical skill impressed audiences and critics alike, further solidifying their place in the rock and roll scene.
Despite his rising fame, Parkkonen remains grounded and values his family. He has a younger sister who has been a source of support and inspiration throughout his career.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Parkkonen has also received praise from industry peers. Renowned guitarist Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom has lauded Santa Cruz for their musical prowess and rock and roll presence, further solidifying their reputation in the music world.
Joonas Parkkonen's journey as Johnny Cruz is far from over. With his passion for music and dedication to his craft, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and soulful songwriting. As he continues to evolve as an artist, there is no doubt that he will leave a lasting impact on the music industry for years to come.
Related links