Introduction

When it comes to jazz-pop fusion music, there is hardly anyone more legendary than Patti Austin. She has been entertaining the world with her soulful voice for over five decades, earning numerous accolades and fans around the globe. In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Patti Austin, her contribution to the music industry, some of her notable works, and other exciting details.

Early Life and Career

Patti Austin was born on August 10, 1950, in Harlem, New York City. She inherited her musical talents from her parents who were both jazz musicians. At just four years old, she made her first performance at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. She was then signed to RCA Records at just nine years old, where she recorded her debut album “End of a Rainbow.” However, it was her collaboration with Quincy Jones on his album “The Dude” that truly launched her career.

Genre-Inspiring Journey

Patti Austin’s music style includes elements of jazz, R&B, and pop, which was previously unheard of before her. She has worked with several notable musicians like Michael Jackson, George Benson, and Luther Vandross, among others. Her 1981 hit song “Every Home Should Have One” became an R&B chart-topper and set the bar for other musicians seeking to merge jazz and pop into a unique blend.

Award-Winning Legend

Over her illustrious career, Patti Austin has been the recipient of several awards for her excellent contributions. In 1981, she won her first Grammy award for her vocal performance on a song titled “Babylon Sisters” by Steely Dan. She won another Grammy award in 2008 for her tribute album to Ella Fitzgerald titled “Avant Gershwin.” In 2019, she was awarded the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement.

Notable Works

Patti Austin has an impressive discography that spans over five decades. Some of her notable works include “End of a Rainbow” (1976), “Body Language” (1980), “Gettin’ Away with Murder” (1985), and “Patti Austin Live” (1992). Her most recent album, “Let’s Do It,” was released in 2018. Additionally, Patti Austin has collaborated with other notable artists such as James Ingram and George Benson on hit songs like “Baby, Come to Me” and “Moody’s Mood.”

Philanthropy

Patti Austin is not just a talented artist; she is also a philanthropist who uses her platform to make the world a better place. She founded the Over My Shoulder Foundation to mentor and inspire young artists and creatives. The foundation focuses on motivating the next generation of artists to achieve their dreams and giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Legacy and Influence

Patti Austin’s influence on jazz-pop fusion music cannot be overstated. Her unique sound and style have inspired several other artists like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Her rendition of the classic song “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” has become a standard, and many other musicians have covered it. Furthermore, several musicians have cited Patti Austin as an inspiration and mentor in their musical careers.

Personal Life

Patti Austin is a private person who has not disclosed many details of her personal life. However, it is known that she has been married twice, and she has a son named Taylor. She continues to perform and tour around the world.

Conclusion

Patti Austin’s career has been a bright light in the music industry. Her unique sound and style have set the bar for jazz-pop fusion music, inspiring several other musicians in the process. Her philanthropic work and dedication to mentorship have also made her a beloved figure in the industry. Patti Austin’s legacy will continue to influence and inspire future generations of musicians.

FAQs

1. What is Patti Austin famous for?
Patti Austin is famous for being a singer, songwriter, and performer known for her distinctive jazz-pop fusion style. She has won numerous accolades and awards for her musical contributions.

2. What is Patti Austin’s most famous song?
Patti Austin has several hit songs, but her most famous one is “Baby, Come to Me,” a duet with James Ingram. The song became a chart-topping hit in the 1980s and has since become a classic.

3. Who has Patti Austin collaborated with?
Patti Austin has collaborated with several famous musicians, including Quincy Jones, Steely Dan, George Benson, James Ingram, and Michael Jackson, among others.

4. What are some of Patti Austin’s notable albums?
Patti Austin has released several notable albums, including “End of a Rainbow,” “Body Language,” “Gettin’ Away with Murder,” and “Patti Austin Live.” Her most recent album, “Let’s Do It,” was released in 2018.

5. What philanthropic work has Patti Austin done?
Patti Austin founded the Over My Shoulder Foundation, which provides mentorship and inspiration to young creatives. The foundation aims to motivate the next generation of artists and give them the tools they need to succeed.

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