Podcast #94 (VIDEO) - Frank Pagano

Episode 94 — Frank Pagano: From Glen Rock to the Broadway PitIn this must-hear episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, I sit down with legendary drummer and percussionist Frank Pagano — a true veteran of both the concert stage and the Broadway scene.Frank’s career reads like a who’s who of the music industry. He’s played with icons like Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, Al Green, and Phoebe Snow. On Broadway, his credits span from Leader of the Pack and The Who’s Tommy to Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Cry-Baby, The Pirate Queen, Good Vibrations, Fosse, Big River, Saturday Night Fever, and more. What you'll hear in this episode:* How a 4th-grade music demo sparked Frank’s lifelong love of drums.* Growing up and gigging with the Vivino brothers (yes — that Jimmy Vivino).* What it was like studying percussion at Manhattan School of Music and later with Joe Morello and Justin DiCioccio.* His unusual path to Broadway — having a chair before ever subbing.* The real reason he pivoted to Broadway full-time: marriage, fatherhood, and health insurance.* Wisdom on subbing: play their show, not yours.* Lessons from playing percussion alongside killer drummers like Brian Brake.* Touring vs. pit life — the physical grind of the road versus the stability of Broadway.* How working with artists like Laura Nyro and Bruce Springsteen shaped his perspective on artistry and professionalism.* Advice for drummers who want to make it in New York: “Play with everyone. Play everything. Be early. Be likable. Be ready.”Frank’s reflections on time, groove, and what it really means to be musical are some of the best insights I’ve heard on this show. This episode is for any drummer who wants to play on Broadway — and stay there.Watch more episodes on YouTubeListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsLearn more about Frank Pagano: https://www.frankpagano.com/bioClayton 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