This is an excerpt from the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast featuring Shannon Ford.
Shannon grew up in the Washington DC area where he was active in various school bands, local orchestras, and drum corps. While in High School, Shannon performed with jazz greats like Clark Terry, Urbie Green, and Mundell Lowe. The experience of working with these legendary artists at such a young age had a tremendous influence on Shannon’s technical skills and ultimately, his decision to aggressively pursue a career in music. Shannon continued playing drums all over the East coast in a wide variety of musical settings.
He co-founded jazz fusion groups, “Tim Eyermann’s East Coast Offering,” and “Natural Bridge.” At the same time, he recorded and performed with many other progressive rock bands, jazz ensembles, blues acts, and country artists. It was also during this time that Shannon became a member of “Redneck Jazz,” led by guitar legend Danny Gatton. Shannon would go on to tour and record three albums with Gatton, including the Grammy-nominated “88 Elmira St.” In 1980 Shannon began a stint with country legend Roger Miller, and in 1984 was hired by Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. He toured extensively with the Gatlins and recorded six albums with this group.
In 1992 Shannon made the move to New York City, where he quickly got work in the pit orchestras of various Broadway shows while continuing to perform with artists including singer-songwriter, Phoebe Snow. He also took on the Musical Director responsibilities for noted 60’s pop singer Lou Christie as well as touring with country artist Kathy Mattea. During this phase of Shannon’s career came the opportunity to work with Paul Simon on the album, “Songs From the Capeman”. He has continued to work with Mr. Simon on various collaborations. Shannon currently lives in New York City where he continues to perform, record, and teach.
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Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and Newsletter. He has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud.
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