Patti Austin
It is a noteworthy occasion when Patti Austin is scheduled to be the premier entertainer at an extravaganza honoring Ms. Nancy Wilson; in musical terms it portends to be a distaff, lethal combination.
By Biko Poindexter-Hodge
Sentinel Intern
Patti Austin has been delivering quality music since she was just a kid and her music has grown from being a 1950s child star into a 1990s multimedia superstar. As the headliner at the 2010 Brotherhood Crusade’s Annual Bremond/Bakewell award, she is scheduled not only to entertain the guests, but she will also be paying homage to the legendary Ms. Nancy Wilson, whose career is synonymous with music and entertainment.
After making her debut at the Apollo Theater at age four, Austin blended her talents with some of the brightest and the best in the music world including Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington. She has also collaborated with James Ingram, Johnny Mathis, George Benson, Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross.
In recent years while promoting her latest recording, Austin often reflected on attending one of Judy Garland’s concerts that helped her focus on her career. Focusing on her career, pushed her to win her first Grammy Award in 2008, after having been nominated eight times before.
In addition, Austin has had her share of physical and medical problems that she was able to overcome by losing weight – a move that literally saved her life. She told an interviewer in 2006 that having gastric bypass surgery after losing 140 pounds, had saved her life.
Austin has devoted some of her time to several worthy causes and philanthropic endeavors including the Brotherhood Crusade and Aid for Haiti. In 1996, along with her past duet partner, James Ingram, she performed for the Brotherhood Crusade’s Pioneer of African American Achievement Award when Quincy Jones – one of her mentors – was the honoree. Austin was also one of over 70 artists, who performed “We Are the World: 25 for Haiti” in 2010 as part of the relief effort for Haiti after the devastating earthquake last January.
Once again, she is in the forefront, using her musical genius to help the Brotherhood Crusade honor a legend, Ms. Nancy Wilson.
Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. chairman of the Brotherhood Crusade, said, “Patti Austin is deeply beloved as a singer of solid sterling success. Her achievements, as one of the most talented and successful artists today, complement the work of the Brotherhood Crusade as a leader in the community while honoring and respecting the work of our esteem honoree, Ms. Nancy Wilson. These two musical giants make a dynamic duo.”
Charisse Bremond-Weaver, president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade, echoed similar sentiments saying, “Patti Austin is one of a kind; she is a creative, musical force in the entertainment world that carries music to another level. She is a genius among other geniuses and we are ecstatic to have her as our lead entertainer at this year’s annual Bremond/Bakewell annual pioneer award dinner.”
The Brotherhood Crusade is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution founded in 1968 to provide necessary resources, supportive services and a voice of advocacy to traditionally underserved communities. The organization supports families and individuals by promoting health and wellness, providing and enhancing educational opportunities, cultivating economic growth and building community agencies and institutions.
