Willie Bradley, Grammy-nominated Trumpeter

Bold yet simultaneously charming, edgy yet beautiful—these contrasting qualities define both the sound and the spirit of Grammy-nominated trumpeter Willie Bradley. A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Bradley has elevated smooth jazz over his distinguished career into dynamic territory, seamlessly blending modern contemporary jazz, classic soul, and intricate funk. 

Bradley’s signature trumpet style features rich phrasing, commanding stage presence, and a soulful, crossover appeal. His music reaches audiences worldwide, enjoying extensive play on major smooth jazz radio stations, SiriusXM, Spotify, and Pandora. His discography spans several successful projects, starting with his 2014 debut album Another Day & Time—co-written and produced by Nicholas Cole—and his hit-laden follow-ups Going With The Flow (produced alongside legendary producer Preston Glass) and It’s My Time. His recent project, Raising The Bar, continues to build on his catalog. To date, Bradley’s work has earned three Grammy Award nominations, produced two #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz hits, and landed him the title of Beats Magazine 2021 Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year as voted by The Smooth Jazz Network. He is also a voting member of the Recording Academy. 

A master performer, Bradley has shared stages with legendary jazz icons including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Frank Foster, Max Roach, Betty Carter, Ronnie Laws, Marion Meadows, Walter Beasley, Gerald Albright, George Clinton, and André 3000. Internationally, he toured France, Portugal, and Japan as a key member of the horn section for The Original James Brown Band. In addition to his jazz festival appearances, he has performed the National Anthem for professional sports franchises including the Baltimore Orioles, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Hurricanes, and Los Angeles Clippers. 

Beyond his recorded legacy, Bradley is deeply committed to higher education and community service. Having earned his Bachelors in Music at South Carolina State University, he now serves as a Music Industry Professor there, mentoring future talent and regularly integrating his students into community jazz concerts for real-world experience. In recognition of his achievements and dedication to public service, he received the SCSU Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2022 and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.