Austin Blues Society

Julia Cruz Magness was born and raised in Austin Texas. She always enjoyed music but never dreamed of being a performer until she moved back to Austin in 2005. Shawn Pittman overheard her singing to the raidio and suggested that she start singing. Her first experience on stage was with Shawn and The Moeller brothers.

 

About a year later she was discovered in the audience by The Original Bells of Joy when they were passing the microphone through the crowd during set. Her strong voice and soulful expression caught their eye and they eventually invited Julia to become a member of their group. In 2009 she and the Bells of Joy recorded a CD ‘The Bells Ring On”.

 

Over the past few years Julia has performed all over Texas with The Original Bells of Joy at festivals, private events and Gospel Brunches.

 

Julia can be heard on Gary P Nunn’s CD “Taking Texas to The Country” and Bracken Hale’s new CD as well.

 

In 2012 Julia decided to enter The Austin Blues Society’s portion of the International Blues Challenge. She compiled a great group of musicians and they won! Julia and her band travelled to Memphis for the IBC and made it to the semi-finals.

 

In 2012 Julia was asked to open Pinetop Perkin’s Homecoming at Hopson Plantation with her original song “Empty Shoes”.

 

You can find Julia playing with The Bells of Joy and Miss Julia and The Cruzers. Her sideman Jack Montisenos ,who is 12 years old, plays with both bands and he and Julia can also be hired as a Duo act.