One stormy afternoon at the age of eight…
Tony discovered smooth jazz on The Weather Channel’s “Local on the 8s.” The catchy melodies accompanying the forecast segments led him to the saxophone, and his passions for music and meteorology became inseparable. These interests followed him to Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science and founded the student-led jazz/soul ensemble “After Six.” Now, he uses his saxophone to usher an uplifting breeze of inspiration into the minds and spirits of listeners through a blend of contemporary jazz, gospel and soul — a sound he calls “Cold Front Music.”
Tony’s latest single “Elevation” (feat. Grammy-wining producer/keyboardist Daniel Weatherspoon) is based on his journey of staying grounded on the Solid Rock while climbing towards his God-given destiny. The rhythmic, island flavor of song caught Spotify’s attention, landing it on their Fresh Finds Jazz editorial playlist that highlights new jazz hits from independent artists around the globe.
His 2018 album H2O is is produced by Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Ken Navarro and features Grammy-winning jazz/gospel saxophonist Kirk Whalum on a soul stirring offering of “Amazing Grace.” “Living Water” from the album aired on Sirius XM Watercolors, Music Choice Smooth Jazz, more than forty radio stations in the U.S., U.K. and Poland, and climbed to #13 on the British Smooth Jazz Chart.
Tony’s career began in 2011 with his debut release Christmas in the Air, which was featured on The Weather Channel and brought his music back to the place where his love for jazz and weather began. That year also marked the launch of his independent music label Cold Front Music, LLC.
He has headlined at some of the premiere festivals, concert series and jazz clubs in the U.S., including the Hub City Jazz Festival, City Winery D.C., Bethesda Blues & Jazz, The Tin Pan, and D.C.’s Jazz in the Garden. Tony has also performed the national anthem for the NBA and WNBA, and shared his music at church worship services and events throughout the Mid-Atlantic, often joined by his dynamic band Tony Craddock, Jr. & Cold Front. He has been blessed to share the stage with award-winning artists Norman Connors, Jean Carne, Ken Navarro, Ben Tankard, Luther Barnes, Kim Jordan, and Kayla Waters.
One of his newest musical ventures is founding and producing the Cold Front Music Festival. In 2021, its inaugural year, the festival featured Tony with Stellar and Dove award-nominated singer/songwriter Lisa McClendon, Grammy-winning gospel/jazz producer and keyboardist Daniel Weatherspoon, chart-topping jazz guitarist Ken Navarro and emerging smooth jazz keyboardist Chan Hall.
Tony is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy’s DC Grammy Chapter, a proud endorser of Fiberreed products, and an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he was initiated at the Alpha Chapter (Cornell University).
He believes his music has nothing to do with him, but rather the gifts with which God has blessed him. He is a native of Woodbridge, Virginia and currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife and two children.