Patti Austin Biography

Patti Austin, born in 1950 in Harlem, New York, is an esteemed R&B singer whose musical journey began at a remarkably young age. Raised in Bay Shore on Long Island, she was profoundly influenced by her father, Gordon Austin, a talented jazz trombonist. Her early exposure to music was complemented by the guidance of her godparents, Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington, both of whom recognized her prodigious talent. Patti made an extraordinary debut at the Apollo Theater when she was just four years old, capturing the attention of Quincy Jones and RCA Records by the age of five.

After signing with RCA, Austin began a flourishing career as a session and backup singer, honing her craft in the competitive music industry. Her first notable hit came in 1969 with "Family Tree," followed by her work as a background vocalist for a range of artists, including Paul Simon on the 1975 number-one hit "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." In 1976, she released her debut album, End of a Rainbow, through the jazz label CTI, and went on to gain further acclaim by collaborating with renowned artists like Michael Jackson and Tom Browne.

A significant turning point in Austin's career came with her contract to Quincy Jones's record label, Qwest. Her breakout album, Every Home Should Have One, was released in 1981, featuring "Baby, Come to Me," a duet with James Ingram that soared to number one on the Billboard pop chart. She continued her success with another duet, "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" featured on the soundtrack for the film Best Friends in 1982. Austin's artistry further flourished with her album The Real Me, which included jazz standards and solidified her reputation as a versatile performer.

Throughout her career, Patti Austin has released an impressive catalog, including Love is Gonna Getcha (1990) and For Ella (2002), the latter being a tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Her album Avant Gershwin (2007) won her a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, showcasing her ability to blend jazz and R&B seamlessly. Additionally, she created significant connections with international musicians, performing with the Moscow Jazz Orchestra at the Sochi Jazz Festival in 2017.

Austin's work has transcended traditional music boundaries, as evidenced by her collaboration with Frances Yip on Papillon III in 2003, which aimed to raise awareness for the Jade Ribbon Campaign of Stanford University. Her appearance in the 2013 Oscar-winning documentary film 20 Feet From Stardom further highlighted her impact as a backup vocalist and frontwoman in the music industry, reminding audiences of the crucial role backup singers play in shaping popular music.

Despite the challenges she faced, such as narrowly avoiding a flight on September 11, 2001, Patti Austin's career continues to thrive. In 2015, she announced plans for a collaborative duet album with James Ingram, further energizing her devoted fan base. With her powerful voice and impressive versatility, Austin has established herself as a cherished figure in the realms of R&B and jazz, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.