Podcast #83 - Cubby O'Brien

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I enjoyed interviewing the legendary Cubby O'Brien. You may know him from his days as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club, but his drumming career goes way beyond that. We talk about his early start in music, following in the footsteps of his drummer father, and his work with some of the biggest names in the industry—Lawrence Welk, Bernadette Peters, the Carpenters, and more.

Cubby shares stories from his incredible journey through different eras of music, from the early influence of The Beatles and playing alongside icons like Steve Gadd. We dive into his Broadway experiences, where he brings his unique energy to every performance, and his thoughts on teaching and adapting to the ever-changing world of music. Whether you're a fan of musical history, a drummer, or just curious about what it takes to build a long-lasting career, this episode is packed with insights and memories you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to hear about his collaborations with legends like Shirley MacLaine and Nathan Lane and his work on Tony Award-winning shows—it’s a deep dive into a life well lived!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:16 Chance Encounter on Broadway Cruise

00:57 Sports Talk: Cowboys and Dodgers

02:49 Cubby's Early Drumming Influences

04:48 The Mickey Mouse Club and Early Career

10:10 Transition to Studio Work and Variety Shows

15:18 Working with the Carpenters

18:43 Electronic Drums and Siegfried & Roy

21:08 Collaborations with Bernadette Peters

26:32 Learning the Drums: Insights from Jack Sperling

27:13 Meeting Susan Stroman and the Producers Journey

28:52 The Creative Process with Mel Brooks

29:47 Challenges of Repetition in Broadway Shows

31:30 Selecting Dependable Substitutes

34:44 Transitioning to Gypsy and Working with Marvin Laird

36:23 The Joy of Live Performances

39:00 Maintaining Longevity and Avoiding Injuries

42:41 Choosing Eugene, Oregon

44:03 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

44:38 Memories with Shirley MacLaine

47:01 Appreciation from Fellow Musicians

48:04 Preferences in Drum Kits

53:05 Top Five Favorite Drummers

54:27 Concluding Remarks and Future Plans

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 resides with his wife, a University of Oregon graduate who recently relocated from New York.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumm