Patti Austin’s keen interest in being a total entertainer likely started when she was four years old. Then, she stepped onto the stage of the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem at the urging of Dinah Washington. The daughter of jazz trombonist Gordon Austin, Patti was a recording star in her teens. She achieved her first chart success in 1969 with “The Family Tree”, a Top 50 R&B single.
During the 1970s Patti reigned as the undisputed queen of the New York session scene. There, listeners heard her voice behind Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, James Brown and Joe Cocker, and Bette Midler. Also, she worked with Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross and Diana Ross and created countless memorable commercial jingles. After releasing a series of acclaimed albums, she signed with her godfather Quincy Jones’ Qwest label. Then, she began achieving mainstream success on an international level. She recorded the now classic Grammy-nominated hit “Baby Come To Me” with James Ingram. Also, they recorded the follow-up duet, the Oscar-nominated “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?”
The 2002 album For Ella opened new doors for Patti as a performer. Moreover, she further solidified her embrace by the jazz world with her Grammy-winning classic Avant Gershwin. Now, after more than two decades of touring, her take on the classic American Songbook has expanded Patti’s appeal. The 2023 release For Ella 2 celebrates the great Ella Fitzgerald in Patti’s unique song storytelling style. It also received a Grammy nomination, her seventh.
Recommended for fans of Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle, Al Jarreau and George Benson.
