The undisputed Queen of the soul session
The indomitable spirit that is veteran soul and R&B singer Patti Austin shows no sign of slowing down, even after a 50+ years in the music business. Propelled into stardom at the tender age of four, her musical heritage is no fluke; she is the daughter of legendary jazz trombonist Gordon Austin and the goddaughter of musical legends Jones and Dinah Washington.
Despite having to wait until 2008 to receive her first Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album, Austin credits her jazz musical direction to seeing one of Judy Garland's last ever concerts. Between 1969 and 1991, she charted a staggering 20 R&B songs, but being a figure of constant change, it was her Grammy-winning Avant-Gershwin album that propelled her back into the spotlight at the age of 53. Her live appearances are extremely popular, with her recent performances singing with big bands and symphonies the world over generating standing ovations.
A keen philanthropist when not on tour, Austin dedicates tireless work to her Blue Movement foundation, which aims to help reduce instances of domestic violence in America and worldwide. Following 2010's Haiti earthquake crisis, she joined 70 other artists to record "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti" to raise money for emergency relief and reconstruction efforts.