Claybourne Elder | The Heart, the Gay Jazz Album, and the Villain He Wants to Play

Broadway performer and The Gilded Age actor Claybourne Elder joins Out Loud and Laughing for a warm, candid conversation about queer artistry, creative independence, and the stories we choose to tell.Claybourne shares the inspiration behind his solo album, If the Stars Were Mine—a personal project shaped by the lullaby he sings to his son. He talks about reimagining classic songs through a gay jazz lens, producing the album himself, and learning to trust his creative instincts when support fell through.

The conversation also explores his role as John Adams in The Gilded Age and why he wanted to move beyond familiar stereotypes of queer characters. Claybourne discusses his acting process, his love of playing villains, his Broadway work, and how he encourages people to take practical steps to support the causes they believe in.Expect heartfelt stories, theater talk, laughs, and a reminder that the legacy that matters most may be the way we show up for the people we love.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Clay Elder and his career

02:38 Clay's pivotal moment from violin to acting

04:27 Growing up in Utah and early influences

06:16 Creating 'If the Stars Were Mine' and its themes

08:11 Overcoming self-doubt in the creative process

11:18 The grassroots journey of producing his album

14:25 Portrayal of LGBTQ characters in historical context

15:42 The importance of character development and imagination

20:02 Standing up for community and social issues

22:01 Fun rapid-fire: Broadway, music, and personal preferences

27:35 Reflections on legacy: voice vs. heart

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Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9