Artist. Father. Educator. Entrepreneur.
Legacy Builder
With a career rooted in Broadway and live performance, Clayton Craddock has brought his unmistakable feel, discipline, and deep musicality to stages across the country. He's known not just for nailing the gig but for elevating the entire experience, whether in the pit, on stage, or behind the scenes, helping the next generation find their way. His playing is precise, powerful, and always in service of the story.
But Clayton's work goes far beyond the drum kit. He's a thinker, a builder, and a straight shooter—someone who values honesty over hype and substance over style. As the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, he created a platform that educates, uplifts, and demystifies what it truly means to be a working musician today. He's equally passionate about entrepreneurship and believes in ownership, not just participation—building something that stands on its own long after the last note is played.
Family is at the center of everything he does. As a father, he's dedicated to raising strong, self-aware, and curious children. As a man, he speaks out for fathers' rights, personal responsibility, and the importance of showing up—especially when it's uncomfortable.
To Clayton, music isn't just about performance—it's a vehicle for growth, freedom, financial empowerment, and connection. His journey is about legacy: creating systems, stories, and platforms that outlive any single show or moment. Whether writing, mentoring, teaching, or playing, Clayton's mission remains simple: do the work, tell the truth, and leave something meaningful behind.
Now, with the launch of C.R.A.D. Global Ventures, Clayton is expanding that mission—developing creative tools and educational resources and empowering media designed to support artists, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers. It's not just a company—it's a movement built to last.
Clayton Craddock is a drummer, educator, writer, and entrepreneur whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and creative freedom.
Early Life & Musical Foundations
Clayton was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in Manchester, Connecticut, where music was a constant presence in his home. His love for rhythm and sound developed naturally through the radio and the records his family played every day. His mother, a devoted fan of soul music, had a deep love for Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, and Al Green. Every Saturday morning, he would wake up to the sound of her Kirby vacuum banging against his bedroom door, its headlight casting an eerie glow that made it seem like a monster trying to get in. But behind the noise was the music—especially Barry White—whose deep, orchestral arrangements fascinated him. Years later, he discovered that White’s records featured some of the best session musicians in Los Angeles, including drummer Ed Greene.
His oldest sister introduced him to an entirely different spectrum of music, playing Elton John, KISS, Aerosmith, and Parliament-Funkadelic, exposing him to the raw energy of rock and the funk-driven grooves that would shape his musical instincts. He became mesmerized by Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters album, staring at the cover for hours, captivated by its mysterious artwork and revolutionary sound. Alongside Earth, Wind & Fire’s Last Days and Time and Kool & The Gang’s Wild and Peaceful, these records sparked his deep appreciation for rhythm and composition.
As he grew, Clayton’s musical world expanded. His cousin introduced him to rock bands like Journey, The Police, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, while at the same time, hip-hop was emerging in 1979 with "Rapper’s Delight," completely changing the musical landscape. While he embraced rap’s new energy, he never abandoned his love for funk, rock, and alternative music. By the early 1980s, he prided himself on owning every rap album that was released, while also diving deeper into the music of Prince, Cameo, and Slave. He played along to live recordings like The Jacksons’ Live (1981) and studied the drumming on albums like Rush’s Moving Pictures (1981). Classic rock also entered his world, bringing him back to The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, further shaping his musical foundation.
Howard University & Early Career
Although music was his passion, his father insisted on a practical career path and refused to support his dream of attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. Instead, Clayton enrolled at Howard University, where he majored in business. While he had little interest in his business classes, he found an immediate home in Howard’s legendary marching band, Thunder Machine, eventually earning the role of section leader. He spent far more time in the music building than in the business school, but he pushed through, taking time off to work at record stores in Connecticut and Washington, D.C., before ultimately finishing his degree.
After graduating, Clayton stayed in D.C., playing drums while working day jobs to make ends meet. He performed with some of the area’s top musicians, but he knew that if he wanted to take his career further, he needed to be where the opportunities were. In 1993, he moved to New York City, working a nine-to-six job while spending his nights at jam sessions, playing in rock, jazz, fusion, hip-hop, funk, and metal bands, trying to break into the city’s competitive music scene.
His breakthrough came when guitarist Matt Beck, who had experience in musical theater, invited him to play drums for a three-month run of Footloose at the Rio Theatre in Las Vegas in 2000. That gig led to an 11-month national bus-and-truck tour, during which Beck approached him with another offer to drum for an Off-Broadway production of tick, tick…BOOM! Clayton accepted, marking the beginning of his career in musical theater.
Broadway, Family, & Personal Challenges
Returning to New York after the Footloose tour, Clayton’s life took a major turn—he got married and started a family, raising two children while balancing his growing career in Broadway music. However, after several years, his marriage ended in a contentious divorce in 2008, forcing him into a brutal battle within the family court system.
Determined to remain a central figure in his children’s lives, he fought relentlessly in court. The experience shattered his worldview, exposing deep injustices in the system. Through perseverance, he won—securing his right to be the father he always wanted to be. His fight led him to become the New York State President of the National Parents Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to reforming family court laws to promote shared parenting and fair custody decisions. He wrote extensively on the topic, publishing pieces in various publications, many of which can be found in the "Thoughts" section of his website.
This experience changed him forever, making him far more outspoken about injustice. The second major event that further strengthened his voice came in 2020 when the pandemic shut down the Broadway production of Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, forcing him into survival mode. During this time, he launched his Substack publication, Think Things Through, where he documented his thoughts on the pandemic, media narratives, and broader societal issues.
Broadway & off-Broadway Credits
Throughout his career, Clayton has held the drum chair for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including:
tick, tick…BOOM!
Altar Boyz
Memphis The Musical
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
Cats: The Jellicle Ball
The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical
He has also subbed for industry greats such as Bill Lanham, Buddy Williams, Jared Schonig, Damien Bassman, and Joe Choroszewski on productions like:
Motown
Evita
Cats
Avenue Q
The Color Purple
Rent
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical
Hadestown (Tour)
Beyond theater, Clayton has performed on national television, appearing on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards.
Career Highlights
He has also worked with an extensive list of legendary artists, including:
The Stylistics
The Delfonics
Mario Cantone
Laura Benanti
Kristin Chenoweth
Kerry Butler
Christian Borle
Norm Lewis
Deniece Williams
Chuck Berry
Ben E. King
Hubert Sumlin
In addition to his work in theater and television, Clayton has been an in-demand drummer on the private event and club date scene since 1996. He has performed with a wide range of premier entertainment companies and bands, including:
Vali Entertainment
Eric Nicolas & One Love
747 ORCHESTRA
Bounce Music (East Side Mix)
Starlight Music
Elegant Ensembles Inc. (Savoy Stompers)
Ken Gold's ARENA: Relive The Rock
Element Music
Bud Maltin Entertainment
Matthew Friedman & Stiletto
He has also played Christian Contemporary music as part of the worship team at Grace Church, bringing his versatility to spiritual settings.
Entrepreneurial Expansion
Throughout his career, Clayton Craddock realized that while the world of Broadway drumming was a coveted and respected field, very little structured information existed on how to break into it, sustain a career, or navigate the intricacies of playing in theater pits. Many aspiring musicians were left relying on word-of-mouth advice, fragmented knowledge from colleagues, or the trial-and-error method of subbing and learning on the job. Recognizing this gap, Clayton decided to build a platform that demystified the world of Broadway drumming—a place where musicians could access real, practical guidance from someone who had lived the experience firsthand.
In response, he launched Broadway Drumming 101, an online educational platform, podcast, and mentorship resource designed to help drummers understand what it takes to succeed in the world of theater music. What began as a blog and podcast series featuring interviews with Broadway drummers quickly grew into a comprehensive online resource, offering detailed lessons, industry insights, and personal coaching for drummers aspiring to play in theater.
Broadway Drumming 101 Inc.
A Hub for Aspiring and Working Drummers
Broadway Drumming 101 provides a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond just playing the drums—it teaches musicians how to prepare for auditions, learn the nuances of subbing, master the skills needed for different styles of musicals, and develop the professional mindset required for long-term success. The platform includes:
Exclusive Interviews & Podcasts – In-depth conversations with some of the most respected drummers, conductors, and contractors in the business. Guests discuss their career journeys, advice for aspiring musicians, and insights into what it takes to succeed in a Broadway pit.
Online Courses & Training – Structured lessons that cover everything from sight-reading and groove consistency to communication with the music director and learning a book on short notice.
Behind-the-Scenes Content – Breakdown videos, gear discussions, and real-world examples of how Broadway drummers prepare for their roles.
Educational Articles & Resources – Practical guides covering topics such as choosing the right gear, networking with the right people, preparing for a subbing gig, and understanding contracts and payment structures.
Merchandise & Community Engagement – Broadway Drumming 101 has developed a strong community of theater musicians who support each other through shared knowledge and experiences. The platform also offers merchandise, from T-shirts to drumming accessories, that allows musicians to proudly represent their craft.
What sets Broadway Drumming 101 apart is Clayton’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to teaching. His firsthand experience as both a full-time Broadway drummer and a highly sought-after sub gives him a unique perspective that speaks directly to musicians at all stages of their careers.
C.R.A.D. Global Ventures
After decades as a professional drummer, educator, writer, and mentor, Clayton Craddock made a bold decision: to expand his work into something larger, more lasting, and deeply rooted in purpose. That vision became C.R.A.D. Global Ventures. It was created to empower artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers through ownership, creativity, and strategic development.
C.R.A.D. stands for Comprehensive Resources for Artistic Development, and the name reflects Clayton’s mission—to build real systems that support not just creative expression, but long-term growth, financial empowerment, and legacy.
C.R.A.D. Global Ventures is structured across several forward-thinking divisions:
Education: Online courses, masterclasses, and workshops designed for musicians and creatives looking for practical, real-world guidance.
Publishing: Home to books like Broadway Bound and Beyond, the John the Lion children's series, and other thought-provoking works focused on music, life, and legacy.
Creative Production: Original content, including video series, digital tools, live events, and creative collaborations that bring bold ideas to life.
Broadcasting: A media hub producing impactful audio and video programming. This includes Broadway Drumming 101 – The Podcast as well as Clayton Craddock’s Deep Cuts—a raw, personal series where Clayton explores the intersections of music, fatherhood, politics, culture, and personal growth. It’s a space for honest conversations and unfiltered insights.
Merchandising: Apparel, accessories, and branded products that reflect the spirit of independence, creativity, and authenticity.
Real Estate & Asset Growth: A growing division focused on long-term financial security through real estate investments and wealth-building strategies tailored for creative professionals.
Through C.R.A.D. Global Ventures, Clayton is creating more than just content—he’s building infrastructure. His vision is about freedom through ownership, clarity through education, and connection through storytelling. It’s a platform for creatives who want to lead, build, and leave something that lasts.
To see what’s already in motion—and what’s coming next—visit 👉 www.cradglobalventures.com
This is just the beginning.
Clayton Craddock’s Deep Cuts
Heterodox takes on music, culture, and the narratives shaping our lives — digging into what’s rarely questioned.
Welcome to Deep Cuts — a space where I say what others won’t.
I’m Clayton Craddock — a father, drummer, writer, and independent thinker. I’ve spent decades performing in Broadway pits, studios, and stages across the country. But behind the drum kit, I’ve always been paying attention to more than just the tempo. I’ve been watching the culture shift, questioning the stories we’re told, and thinking about how music, media, politics, and power intersect.
This newsletter is where I unpack it all — with clarity, curiosity, and no filters.
I write about:
The music you didn’t know you needed to hear — from overlooked drummers to forgotten grooves that shaped generations
The hidden dynamics behind culture and creativity — especially how race, money, and media shape perception
The systems we rarely question — from education to entertainment to the politics of identity
If you’re tired of surface-level takes and the same voices echoing each other, you’re in the right place.
This isn’t about following trends. It’s about asking better questions, sharing deeper truths, and challenging the mainstream narrative — through the lens of someone who’s lived inside both the industry and the margins.
👉 Read more or subscribe at deepcuts.claytoncraddock.com