Chingleput Chelappa Ranganathan, was born in Chennai on 3 June 1938 to Sriman Chellappa Iyengar and Srimathi Rajalakshmi.
His mother used to be a student of Harihara Iyer, a disciple of the Carnatic music great, Tiger Varadachariar.
At the age of seventeen, Ranganathan secured the first place in the Music Competition held in October 1955, conducted by the All India Radio.
As a staff artiste at the AIR, he conducted various programmes donning roles such as composer, conductor of orchestras, organiser etc.
He was the torch-bearer of the Alathur Bani known for not only its laya oriented singing but the Sangeetha and Ragha Bhava – force of life enthused to the compositions of various composers.
Chingleput Ranganathan to spread and promote Carnatic music & other fine arts and to bring the works of his father.
- "GAYAKA KALANIDHI" in the year 1999 by Srirangam Srimad Andavan Sri Ranga Ramanuja Maha Desigan.
- "CARNATIC MUSIC PALLAVI WIZARD" in April 2005 by Rajah Annamalaipuram Bhakta Jana Sabha.
- "LAYA KALA NIPUNA" by Percussive Arts Centre, Palghat Mani Iyer Memorial Trust, Bangalore on 29 May 2006.