In 2021, we started this podcast with a simple goal: to offer you an inside look into the lives and careers of Broadway drummers. Since then, we've hosted numerous incredibly talented guests who have shared their stories, experiences, and wisdom.
As our subscriber base has grown, we've realized that many of you may have missed some of our amazing interviews. That's why, over the next year, we'll revisit and repost some of our classic condensed interviews. This will allow you to revisit or discover these conversations, and we hope you'll get inspired.
But that's not all—we've got several exciting new podcasts and a few surprises up our sleeves! So stay tuned because there's plenty more to come.
In this first episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I had the pleasure of sitting with Bill Lanham, who shared his journey from Lindenhurst, Long Island, to becoming a master musician who has held several chairs on Broadway. Bill opens up about his early years, where his passion for drumming began in elementary school, and how his experiences in high school marching and jazz bands shaped his musical path.
We discuss Bill's college years, during which he balanced a computer science major with a music minor. We talk about how this combination influenced his career. Bill also shared about his time touring with the first national production of Les Misérables, the various shows he's been a part of on Broadway, and what it truly takes to succeed.
Bill shares valuable insights on the challenges of performing on Broadway and the importance of treating fellow musicians respectfully and offers advice for aspiring professional musicians in New York City.
Whether you're an aspiring drummer or just a fan of Broadway, Bill's story is sure to inspire and motivate. Tune in to learn from his extensive experience and hear his thoughts on maintaining passion, adapting to technological changes, and navigating the dynamics of the Broadway pit.
Episode Breakdown:
00:09 Bill's Early Life and Hometown
01:27 Starting the Drumming Journey
02:14 High School Musical Experiences
03:36 Musical Influences and Bands
08:23 College Life and Musical Pursuits
14:34 First Teaching Experiences
16:44 Transition to Broadway and Touring
26:48 Reflecting on Broadway Experiences
27:49 Maintaining Passion and Gratitude
31:59 Challenges and Changes in Technology
34:37 Subbing and New Opportunities
44:45 Navigating Broadway Pit Etiquette
52:04 Balancing Music and Technology
55:15 Career Reflections and Advice
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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BD101 Classic #1 : Bill Lanham