This is one of my favorite tracks from this record. I remember during the session we used a really deep, almost marching band sized snare and put a lot of muffling on top to get that 1970’s snare drum thud. It was a lot of fun laying down tracks for this project. The song is…
Read moreAudra McDonald – “God Bless The Child” – LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL (The View 22-May-2014)
Here is a video of me working with one of the greatest performers of all time – Audra McDonald. I was fortunate to have played this show on Broadway. She is a force of nature. So good!
Read moreMemphis Tony Awards Performance 2010
This is one night I’ll never forget. Being on the stage of Radio City Music Hall? Playing on national TV in front of millions. Seeing 6,000 people in the audience in the audience? Looking in the first row and seeing Beyonce and Jay-Z? Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmm. I almost got distracted by her when I glanced…
Read moreAudra McDonald Sings Billie Holiday – From Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill
In January of 2014, I got a call to work on a new musical about Billie Holiday that would feature Audra McDonald. I had no idea just how huge the show would be—what an experience. Audra is a force of nature and was on top of her game every single night. It was amazing to…
Read moreThree Tips On How To Get Paid What You Are Worth For Gigs
I often hear musicians talk about the amount of money certain gigs pay. People chat about the tip jar having to be passed around because club owners pay so little. They might get paid a few dollars here and there for the gig, but hey, at least they get a meal out of it. They…
Read moreBehind the scenes: Ain’t Too Proud – #ainttooproud
Clayton Craddock is a stay-at-home father of two children in New York City. He has a B.B.A from Howard University’s School of Business and is also a 17 year veteran of the fast paced New York City music scene. He has played drums in a number of hit Broadway musicals including “tick…tick…BOOM, Memphis the Musical…
Read more“The Temptations Were Our Beatles”
“The Temptations were our Beatles” I stumbled across a series of Behind The Music episodes on YouTube last night and watched the story of Hall and Oates. Wow, I forgot how many hits they had. I loved so many of their songs. But, The Temps… I really didn’t know how much of an influence they…
Read moreMemphis Lives In Me – October 19, 2009
Eight years ago, Memphis the Musical opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theater. It was an amazing three years in my life. It was a time or personal and professional growth for me. I had so much fun and I am still friends with most of the people I worked with. What a run…
Read moreOfficial trailer: Ain’t Too Proud – #ainttooproud
I started working on this show on July 10th here in Berkeley. It is truly an amazing experience to be a part of this production. There is just so much talent all around me. Try to see us if you can somehow get a ticket! Clayton Craddock is a stay-at-home father of two children…
Read moreSold Out!!
SOLD OUT!! This show is something else. It is the highest grossing production in the Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s nearly 50 year history. Box office recipts already exceeding $3.1 million and counting! It’s so good. Hopwfully, you all can see it when it transfers to Broadway in the future. I’ve had such s great time working…
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