Age: 40
Birthplace: Born in Charleston. Grew up in Harleyville. Relocated to Charleston at the age of 17.
Education: Graduated from Harleyville Ridgeville High School In 1998. Attended College of Charleston until American Idol audition.
Current profession: Lead vocalist in the Grammy Award-winning band Ranky Tanky. I am also the owner of Quiana Parler and friends band. “Singing has been my only profession my entire life since the age of 9 years old.”
Favorite new music: “My bandmate and brother Charlton Singleton’s new album Date Night, which is charting right now.
Family: “I have a 14-year-old gifted son who is a direct Gullah descendant with roots in James Island. My mom and dad reside in Harleyville and celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in July. My younger brother resides in Tampa, Fla., with his wife and sons.”
Childhood hero: My parents.
Something people would be surprised to learn about you: “I’m a gadget geek and lover of all things technical. I should start a technical support company after retirement.”
Favorite food: “Anything and everything my partner cooks. He’s an amazing cook. When I’m on the road with Ranky Tanky, we make it our duty to eat Thai food but nothing compares to Basil on King Street.
Favorite cocktail or beverage: Southern sweet tea. “I would like to say I make the best sweet tea hands down with my secret ingredient.” (a syrup of white and brown sugars.)
Describe your best day in 50 words or less: “My best day is waking up with my son and partner and spending the day doing absolutely nothing.
Hobbies: “Shopping on Amazon, baking, sitting at the dock and watching my son fish.”
Pet peeve: “People cooking with wet hands. Double dipping when sharing food.”
Quote: “Just breathe. It is so important to inhale and exhale, no matter what the circumstances you are faced with. Watch how your circumstances and situations change when you focus on your breathing.”
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