Patti Austin

Early Life

Patti Austin was born on August 10, 1950, in Harlem, New York, to Gordon Austin, a jazz trombonist. Raised in Bay Shore, New York, she was surrounded by music from a young age, with notable figures like Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington as her godparents. Her diverse heritage includes African American roots from her father and Barbadian and Swedish ancestry from her mother's side. At just four years old, Austin made her debut performance at the Apollo Theater, showcasing her prodigious talent early on.

Music Career

Austin's career took off as a teenager when she recorded commercial jingles and worked as a session singer in the soul and R&B genres. She achieved her first R&B hit in 1969 with "Family Tree" and contributed backing vocals to several major hits, including Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" and Frankie Valli's solo records. Her debut album, "End of a Rainbow," was released in 1976 by the jazz label CTI. Austin's collaboration with Quincy Jones led to her signing with Qwest Records, where she released the successful album "Every Home Should Have One," featuring the chart-topping duet "Baby, Come to Me" with James Ingram.

Legacy

Throughout her career, Patti Austin has been recognized for her contributions to music, earning one Grammy Award from seven nominations. She has also received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music, highlighting her influence and achievements in the industry. Austin's work spans various genres, including pop, R&B, and jazz, and she continues to be celebrated for her artistic versatility and vocal prowess.