Grammy Award-Winning Musician, Educator & Composer
Instrument / Primary Focus: Trumpet, Brass, Composition, Conducting
Genres: Jazz, Gullah / Roots, Contemporary, Classical
Hometown: Awendaw, South Carolina
A native of Awendaw, South Carolina, Charlton Singleton began his musical journey at the age of three on the piano, eventually mastering the organ, violin, cello, and trumpet throughout his youth. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from South Carolina State University in 1994 and has dedicated his career to performing, composing, and educating musicians across the Lowcountry and beyond.
Over his distinguished career, Charlton has taught music across elementary, middle, and high school levels, and served as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Charleston. In 2008, he co-founded and became the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, leading the resident 18-piece big band to national acclaim.
As a founding member and trumpeter for the internationally renowned quintet Ranky Tanky, Charlton has brought the rich heritage and traditions of Gullah culture to global audiences. Ranky Tanky achieved worldwide recognition with two Grammy Award wins for Best Regional Roots Album: first for their 2019 album Good Time, and again in 2022 for their live recorded performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
In 2021, Charlton was awarded the SC Governor’s Award—the highest honor for the arts in the state of South Carolina—recognizing his extraordinary lifetime contributions as an innovator, advocate, and ambassador for South Carolina arts and culture.
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