Clayton Riley

Clayton Riley is a trumpeter who was part of John Legend's touring horn section. His powerful and precise trumpet playing was a key element of Legend's live performances, helping to bring the rich brass arrangements of Legend's recordings to life on stage. In his OnTheGig interview during a John Legend soundcheck at the Philadelphia Art Museum steps, Riley shared his wisdom on building a successful career as a professional horn player, including the importance of section cohesion, sight-reading abilities, and versatility across musical styles. He also addressed the business aspects of being a freelance musician, including contract negotiations and creating additional income streams between tours.