In this episode, Gary and I discuss:

* Why he chose Hartt School Of Music

* Studying with Gary Chester and his advice on why you should never leave town for more than four weeks.

* His experience touring for nine years straight playing musicals.

* Why it was so terrifying subbing his first show at The King And I on Broadway.

* How he landed the drum chair for Aida.

Originally from the suburbs of New York City, Gary is a Grammy award-winning versatile free-lance drummer and percussionist.  He graduated from the Hartt School Of Music at the University Of Hartford.

For over twenty years Gary has worked primarily for Broadway shows. He originated the drum books and recorded the cast albums for Aida, Wicked, Tarzan, A Little Princess, School Of Rock, and Soft Power. He also was the drummer for the Broadway run of Billy Elliot and Gershwin’s Fascinating Rhythm. He played the percussion book for the revival of Dreamgirls and Motown The Musical and is also on that cast recording. In addition to these, he has played as a sub on 20 Broadway shows.  Currently, he is playing the percussion book for Mrs. Doubtfire the musical. 

He has recorded and performed with a wide range of artists including Elton John, Phil Collins, Cirque Du Soleil, Leann Rimes, Phoebe Snow, The Rascals, Steven Schwartz, Paul Williams, Ben Vereen, Heather Headley, Toni Braxton, Tom Kitt, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Joel Grey, the TV show Smash, Boston Pops and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He tours regularly with Disney’s Broadway Hits as well. 

Gary is a proud endorser of Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Pro-Mark Sticks, Grover Percussion, and Remo Heads.

Clayton Craddock, the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain't Too Proud. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University's School of Business and is a 28 year veteran of the fast-paced New York City music scene. 

He has played drums in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including "Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, and Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill. Also, Clayton has worked on: Footloose, Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants, The Musical, Evita, Cats, and Avenue Q.

Follow him on Instagram, Twitter or read more on his website: claytoncraddock.com

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