Austin, Lovie (1887–1972)

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Austin, Lovie (1887–1972)

American pianist, arranger, and leader of Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders. Born Cora Calhoun, Sept 19, 1887, in Chattanooga, Tennessee; died in Chicago, Illinois, July 10, 1972; studied music at Roger Williams' University in Nashville and at Knoxville College; married a Detroit movie-house owner; married a variety artist (who toured with a partner as "Austin and Delaney").

Was music director at the Monogram Theater in Chicago for 20 years; later directed at the Gem and Joyland Theaters; name appeared often on blues releases of the Paramount label (1923–26), both as pianist and leader of Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders, backing such Paramount's stars as Ida Cox, Alberta Hunter, and Ma Rainey, and occasionally contributing some group instrumentals on her own; wrote "Down Hearted Blues" (recorded by Bessie Smith).

See also Women in World History.

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