Charles Austin (2)

US jazz saxophonist, Flutist, born 1930 in Miami, Florida. During his teenage years, Austin toured with BB King and appeared on several variety shows, including but not limited to, the very popular Ed Sullivan Show, where his quartet won for best musical performance. After teaching music at Tennessee State University, Charles returned to his hometown of Miami FL, and began his solo career, playing instruments such as the flute, clarinet, English horn, the oboe and saxophone, in the bustling scene of the Overtown jazz clubs. During one particular gig, Charles was discovered by Joe Gallivan, who invited him to play as the featured sax soloist with the Modern Jazz Orchestra at the Hampton House- the Mecca for Black Entertainers in the 60’s. Eventually, Charles began to musically merge with Joe Gallivan, and in 1975 the duo recorded their first record, “At Last”. Over the next three decades the duo’s collaboration resulted in several records and world tours. Since then, Charles has worked and collaborated with the likes of Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder. He is currently being noted in Joseph Mcnaire’s novel to include the one hundred greatest musicians of all time, alongside Duke Ellington and BB King. Charles Austin lives in Liberty City and continues his musical contribution by teaching music to young people. Mayor Carlos Alvarez awarded Charles a medal of recognition for integrating the music program of Miami North Western Senior High.