Broadway Drummer Clayton Craddock on the Trust Economy, Building Relationships, and Starting Over at 60

Host Becky Boyland interviews Broadway drummer and author Clayton Craddock about how relationships—not chops—create lasting music careers. Clayton shares growing up surrounded by soul, funk, rock, and jazz, falling in love with drums, and being steered toward accounting at Howard University before moving to New York in 1993 to pursue music while working day jobs. Over years of networking, he landed touring work (Footloose, Tick, Tick… Boom!), began subbing on Broadway (including Rent), and earned major credits and awards, ultimately playing four Tony Award–winning shows and two off-Broadway award winners, with his last being CATS: The Jellicle Ball (which closed after four months). Now starting over in Las Vegas at 60, he teaches “talent will get you in, but trust will get you hired” through Broadway Bound and Beyond, his book, podcast, and masterclass, emphasizing the long game, versatility, and realistic expectations.

Connect with Clayton Craddock:

Sponsors:

Featured Song:

  • ”Undo” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland (used with permission).

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Teaser: Clayton Craddock Interview
  • 00:21 Introduction
  • 01:07 Broadway by Accident
  • 02:44 Family Roots and Funk
  • 06:10 First Drum Kit Spark
  • 08:47 Berklee Dream Deferred
  • 10:59 Howard Band and NYC Move
  • 13:31 Day Jobs and Nightlife
  • 16:25 First Tour Breakthrough
  • 20:04 From Tours to Broadway
  • 21:47 Trust Economy Networking
  • 25:22 Broadway Journey to CATS: The Jellicle Ball
  • 28:06 Show Closes Suddenly
  • 28:49 Carless in New York
  • 30:07 Subway Burnout
  • 31:15 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
  • 31:46 Starting Over in Vegas
  • 33:13 Pandemic Perspective
  • 34:32 Podcast to Book Blueprint
  • 37:56 Broadway Is Temp Work
  • 39:49 Beyond the Pit Life
  • 43:04 Tours and Theater Ecosystem
  • 45:53 Making It and Paying It Forward
  • 50:49 Advice for Dream Chasers
  • 56:23 Where to Find Clayton
  • 57:30 Final Thanks and Wrap
  • 58:16 Coda
  • 01:00:33 Featured Song: “Undo” by Becky Boyland

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)