Anthony Compton, vocalist

Native Washingtonian Anthony Compton's introduction to music was by the soft alto voice of his mother, Connie singing the gospel spiritual “In the Garden” during his childhood. His father, Robert had a wonderful baritone voice that resonated throughout the house also added to his musical influence. Growing up listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and a multitude of various Jazz artists in his home, Anthony honed his musical talent by singing in the Barbershop Quartet, A'capella Choir, Senior Choir and The Madrigal Singers at Northwestern High School. 

In 1996, he joined and sang many years with the Inner Light Unity Fellowship Choir. By January 1999, he performed as a solo artist at a One Night Only Show for Private Stock Productions. In May of 2002 he met and became a student of musical muse Ronnie Wells and Ron Elliston with the Elliston Music Studio for Jazz Studies. He performed his first Jazz Showcase in July 2002 at Twins Lounge. In addition, in 2003 he performed at the 12th Annual East Coast Jazz Festival on two co-stages where he had the honor of being a Semi Finalist in the Fish Middleton Jazz Scholarship Emerging Jazz Artists Competition (FMJS). Continuing in 2004, he performed at the 13th Annual East Coast Jazz Festival on a co stage and was awarded Third Place in the FMJS Competition. 

As member of the Elliston Music Studio Gospel Choir, he has performed in 2003 and 2004 at the East Coast Jazz Festival. In addition, Anthony has performed consecutively in 2003 and 2004 with Project Natale at the Main Street Café in Upper Marlborough, Maryland. In May 2004, Anthony performed at the weekly Westminster Church Jazz Night and was very well received by the public and jazz community. 

By his faith, hard work and determination, Anthony feels very blessed to have been chosen as a Finalist in the FMJS Competition. As a result of his participation in FMJS competitions, he has been afforded the opportunity to perform at Blues Alley with fellow alumni finalists from the FMJS competition. In 2004, he was blessed to repeat this performance at The Islander Restaurant. With more appearances in 2005, he performed at the George Washington University Inaugural Ball with King James and the Serfs of Swing. In late winter in February of 2005, he attended the 14th Annual East Coast Jazz Festival and performed with King James and the Serfs of Swing. In addition, as a Finalist in the East Coast Jazz Festival competition he had the pleasure of performing in 2005 with Keeter Betts Group as well as other gifted fellow finalists. 

All these opportunities encompass the different disciplines and seasoned artists that have placed Anthony Compton on his musical journey. Anthony Compton demonstrates a devotion to perform with pure intent and delivery which cultivates his unique style and calling as a Balladeer Extraordinaire. 

2005: East Coast Jazz Festival 

2006: East Coast Jazz Festival/ Fish's Night Club (Feb), Sabang Night Club (July), Ron Kearns Quintet @ Montpellier Arts Center (Oct) 

2007: Sabang Night Club ( Mar/Jul) 

2008: Australia Day / Utopia Night Club (Jan), Jazz in Patterson Park, Blair Mansion Inn, Chesapeake Pride Festival, Cab Calloway Male Vocalist Competition First Place Winner, (Jul) Tabrizi's Supper Club, Baltimore Book Festival, (Sep)