Patti Austin’s path as a total entertainer began at age four, when Dinah Washington urged her onto the stage of Harlem’s Apollo Theater. The daughter of jazz trombonist Gordon Austin, she was a recording star in her teens, achieving her first chart success in 1969 with “The Family Tree,” a Top 50 R&B single. Earlier 45s later became prized treasures of Britain’s Northern soul community.

After acclaimed albums on CTI Records, Austin signed with her godfather Quincy Jones’ Qwest label and achieved international fame with the Grammy-nominated duet “Baby Come to Me” with James Ingram, followed by their Oscar-nominated “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” She also appeared on Jones’ landmark recordings, including Stuff Like That, the Grammy-winning The Dude, and From Q With Love.

Her Grammy-nominated album, For Ella, introduced her to new jazz audiences, and her Grammy-winning Avant Gershwin solidified her place in the genre. Over two decades of touring, Austin has brought her distinctive interpretations of The American Songbook to audiences across the U.S. and Europe, earning standing ovations. In 2023, she released the Grammy-nominated For Ella 2, a critically acclaimed continuation of her tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.

Equally versatile in pop and R&B, her album Sound Advice showcased her wide-ranging artistry. Beyond music, she founded the Over My Shoulder Foundation to support mentoring initiatives. With a steady flow of invitations worldwide, Patti Austin continues to captivate fans with her artistry, versatility, and storytelling.