Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlton Singleton
Hi Charlton, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started playing the piano when I was three years old. We had a teacher that would come to our house and give my older sister and brother lessons. I started to pick out things that I heard them doing and eventually my parents asked if I was too young to start, which he agreed.
I started playing the trumpet in middle school. I eventually earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, but I was only there for one semester before transferring to South Carolina State University. I received a BA in Music Performance in 1994.
I played in a ska band in the late 90s before going into teaching from 2000 – 2007. Along the way I met many friends that would be a part of my musical journey to this day. Among them were four people that I met in the mid 90s. We would play together in different configurations along the way, but eventually come together to form the group Ranky Tanky. Since 2017 we have released three recordings, two of which won the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album (2019, 2022).
In 2023, then Mayor John Tecklenburg and member of the Charleston City Council appointed me the Artistic Director of the MOJA Arts Festival.
That is the short and abridged version!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have spent time on smooth roads, but they have not always started off that way. I would say that my “struggles” have been extremely good and challenging learning experiences. Along the way I have learned how to be a professional in many different scenarios. I am very fortunate that my parents always led by example with their work ethic, their way of working with people, and their ability to pass along those characteristics to not only my siblings and I, but many of the people that they have come into contact with.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known as a trumpeter, singer, composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator.
I am most proud an extremely large percentage of patrons leaving my performances/events with smiles on their faces.
What sets me apart…I believe that one of the strengths of my performances is the ability to connect with the audience. I speak to them as if they are longtime friends of mine and we are just sitting in the living room having a good time.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to just continue to move forward with as much excitement, energy, and happiness that I can share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charltonsingleton.com
- Instagram: csmusician
- Facebook: charlton singleton
- Youtube: charlton singleton
