Patti Austin

One would be surprised if singer-composer Patti Austin did not have talent, given her impressive musical pedigree and early exposure to some of the most trend-setting artists of the twentieth century. Born to musician parents Gordon and Edna Austin, Patti Austin made her stage debut at Harlem's famous Apollo Theatre at the age of three with her famous Godmother Dinah Washington. As an adolescent she appeared on The Sammy Davis, Jr. Show (1966) and performed in the stage versions of "Lost In The Stars" and "Finian's Rainbow". Age nine found her travelling to Europe with her Godfather Quincy Jones. With an immaculate voice and natural musicianship she toured at the age of sixteen with Harry Belafonte. In the 1970s upon the generous recommendation of Valerie Simpson (of the husband & wife songwriting team "Ashford and Simpson"), Austin began to receive numerous opportunities to compose and sing TV commercial jingles. Additionally she became one of the most prolific session singers of the