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In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with touring legend Paul Hannah, whose career spans over four decades and countless genres—from orchestras to biker bars and Broadway pits to jazz trios.

Paul began playing professionally at just 16, growing up in Las Vegas during a time when the mob ran the city and every hotel had a full orchestra. He learned firsthand from giants like Jerry Gilgor, Tommy Check, Leo Camera, Roger Rampton, and Walfredo de los Reyes. Later, he studied with titans like Vic Firth, Alan Dawson, and Alexander Lepak, preparing him for a career that’s taken him across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and China.

🎭 Paul has performed on Broadway tours of:

* Into the Woods

* Cats

* West Side Story (Tokyo)

* Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley and Corey Glover)

* Spamalot

* Wicked

* An American in Paris

* Funny Girl and more

He’s also the author of the essential guidebook for any drummer hoping to hit the road:👉 “Show Drumming - An Expert’s Guide to Theatre and Touring” — available here

In this episode, Paul dives into:

* What the old Vegas scene taught him about musical discipline

* Why the apprentice system matters

* Studying with Alan Dawson and Vic Firth

* The real reason he never moved to NYC

* What touring life is really like

* How over-preparation saved his career (and sanity)

* Honest reflections on burnout, growth, and finding purpose in music

🎧 Whether you’re a young player dreaming of your first tour, a seasoned pro, or just love hearing rich stories from the road—this episode delivers.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include 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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe