“I think [Tony] might have the best ‘how I got into the music I play’ story that I’ve ever heard. I really love this.”
— CHRIS RICHARDS, THE WASHINGTON POST
Meet Tony
Tony Craddock, Jr. is a jazz saxophonist, composer, meteorologist, storyteller, and above all, ambassador for the gospel. His smooth, uplifting sound draws listeners in, while his engaging live performances offer a fresh, hope-filled perspective on life – often through weather-inspired songs rooted in timeless wisdom.
Music from his three albums and one EP – Uplift, H20, Convection, and Christmas in the Air – has aired on Sirius XM Watercolors, Music Choice Smooth Jazz, radio stations worldwide, and been featured on Spotify editorial playlists. From the studio to the stage, he has collaborated with chart-topping jazz guitarist Ken Navarro, Grammy-winning saxophonist and gospel jazz trailblazer Kirk Whalum, soul legends Norman Connors and Jean Carne, Grammy-winning gospel producer and jazz keyboardist Daniel Weatherspoon, and smooth jazz guitarist Adam Hawley, among others.
Tony musical outlook was shaped by an unexpected source – The Weather Channel’s local forecasts. He discovered the smooth jazz-drenched Local on the 8s segments at age 8, which reeled him in and jump-started his passion for music. By middle school, he picked up the saxophone, while his passions for music and meteorology grew stronger. Tony went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science from Cornell University, then launched his independent music label Cold Front Music with the vision of connecting weather and life through music. His first major music placement came full circle: The Weather Channel’s Local on the 8s featured songs from his debut album, Christmas in the Air.
He has performed the national anthem for the NBA and WNBA, played top jazz festivals and venues, and performed for church and community events across the U.S. Tony also produces his own events, such as the Cold Front Music Virtual Festival, which included Stellar- and Dove-nominated singer Lisa McClendon.
Tony is a member of the Recording Academy, American Meteorological Society, and a Fiberreed endorsing artist. He resides in the Washington D.C. area with his wife and two children.
“Tony is an important part of the new generation of contemporary jazz musicians in my honest opinion.”
— CHART-TOPPING JAZZ GUITARIST KEN NAVARRO
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT
Performance Highlights
Hub City Jazz Festival
Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
Jazz in the Country Music Festival
Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of the Art
Jefferson County African American Cultural & Heritage Festival
U.S. Botanic Garden Season’s Greenings Concert Series
Soundboard Theatre
Blues Alley
City Winery DC
Bethesda Theatre
The Tin Pan
Kennedy Center Millenium Stage
Capital One Arena (National Anthem for the Washington Wizards and Mystics)
Press Highlights
WUSA9 Great Day Washington Interview about Cold Front Music
Smooth Jazz Times Feature on "Magnetic"
Washington Post Feature
WTVR-TV Richmond “Weather Inspired Jazz Brightens Our Day”
Cornell University Alumni Spotlight
Music Highlights
Sample Catalog
Live Performances
The latest with Tony
Tony is featured on the new single by chart-topping jazz guitarist Ken Navarro – a reimagined version of his 2000s hit song “In The Sky Today!” The song is airing on Sirius XM Watercolors and available on all streaming outlets.
Tony’s new gospel jazz single “How Great” is available on all streaming platforms! The song offers a fresh interpretation of the hymn “How Great Thou Art.”