In this episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast, we’re thrilled to have the legendary Cubby O'Brien, one of the original Mouseketeers from The Mickey Mouse Club! Cubby takes us back to his early years, sharing how his musical journey began with his father teaching at a Sun Valley, California music school. He describes being part of a Dixieland band made up of young musicians who performed at various venues around Hollywood, from Rotary Club events to charity shows for the Screen Actors Guild. During one of these performances, his drumming skills caught the attention of Disney producers, leading to his audition for The Mickey Mouse Club—a gig that launched his storied career.
Cubby also shares insights from his remarkable journey as a drummer, having played with legends like Ann-Margret, Lawrence Welk, and Bernadette Peters. His extensive Broadway career includes shows like The Producers, Hair, Oh! Calcutta!, and touring as the drummer for The Carpenters. Throughout the episode, Cubby offers anecdotes and lessons from decades of experience in the entertainment world.
Subscribe to hear Cubby’s stories, tips, and reflections from a lifetime in music and show business!
Carl "Cubby" O'Brien, born July 14, 1946, in Sun Valley, California, is an accomplished American drummer and former child actor, best known as one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1958). Discovered by Disney talent scouts at a Screen Actors Guild benefit in 1954, Cubby became the youngest male to audition for the show, securing his spot after a simple yet memorable rendition of "Happy Birthday." After his time with Disney, Cubby pursued his true passion for drumming, performing with bands around Los Angeles, including a two-year stint with Spike Jones, which opened doors to major acts. He went on to work with legendary artists such as Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, and Diana Ross, and spent ten years touring with The Carpenters after meeting them on The Carol Burnett Show.
Cubby’s prolific career extends to Broadway and television, with notable performances in productions such as West Side Story, Hair, The Producers, and Gypsy. He has also lent his drumming talents to movie soundtracks, including Grease, Change of Habit, and Gypsy. In addition to his extensive stage and screen credits, Cubby has played drums for Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas and continues to perform in the Broadway production of Chicago. Throughout his career, he has worked with an array of stars, from Bernadette Peters to Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and remains a respected figure in the music industry. Cubby currently resides with his wife, a University of Oregon graduate, having recently relocated from New York.
Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform that provides 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, and 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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Behind the Scenes: Cubby O'Brien’s Mickey Mouse Club Audition