Patti Austin, a veteran vocalist with a larger-than-life persona, has captivated audiences with her prodigious musical abilities and infectious humor for decades. From her auspicious beginnings as the daughter of a trombonist and a singer, with Dinah Washington and Quincy Jones as godparents, Austin has left an indelible mark on the music world. Her career encompasses 19 solo albums and countless appearances on pop, jazz, and R&B recordings since the '70s, with chart-topping hits alongside James Ingram, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and others. Beyond her musical achievements, Austin's personal journey, including her significant weight loss, has also garnered attention.
A Medical Wake-Up Call and Gastric Bypass Surgery
After struggling with her weight for many years, reaching well over 300 pounds at times, Austin experienced a medical wake-up call that led her to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2005. This decision marked a turning point in her life, as she dropped down to a svelte size 8.
Austin's decision to seek medical attention was initially prompted by a painful knee condition that made standing on stage for extended periods nearly impossible. At the time, she was also suffering from type 2 diabetes. The doctor's recommendation of gastric bypass surgery came as a shock. Despite her initial reservations, Austin ultimately embraced the procedure as a means to improve her health and well-being.
The Psychological Impact of Obesity
Austin candidly discusses the psychological challenges she faced as a large woman in the music industry. While she received respect for her talent, she acknowledges the societal biases against obesity. She notes that American culture has not always been kind to the obese, and that people often treat overweight individuals poorly. The constant judgment and negative attention can make it difficult to feel confident, whole, and beautiful.
Austin also highlights the denial and self-deception that can accompany weight issues. She explains that individuals may bury themselves in denial to cope with the trauma of how people respond to them. This can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating.
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A Healthier Lifestyle and Advocacy
Following her weight loss, Austin has become an advocate for healthier lifestyles, particularly for women. She emphasizes that gastric bypass surgery is not a quick fix, but rather a tool that requires commitment to long-term lifestyle changes. Austin has conducted press conferences and seminars on the subject, and she is making health one of the major topics at an upcoming women-only cruise event she is planning to produce.
Austin's journey is deeply personal, as she lost both her mother and father to complications from strokes and diabetes, respectively. This experience has fueled her passion for helping others beat life-threatening conditions like heart disease, obesity, and stroke.
"Avant Gershwin": A Bold Musical Project
Doing things in a big way is part of Austin's style, and she continues the theme on her brand-new Concord/Rendezvous Records release Avant Gershwin. Released in March, the live set-recorded at two WDR concerts in Cologne, Germany-finds Austin belting out both tried-and-true nuggets and lesser-known gems from the Gershwin songbook with the WDR Big Band.
The "Avant Gershwin" project showcases Austin's innovative approach to the Gershwin songbook. Recorded live with the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany, the album features both familiar and lesser-known Gershwin tunes, reimagined with contemporary jazz grooves. Austin explains that she wanted to create a sound that would appeal to younger audiences while still honoring the essence of Gershwin's music.
The project is part of a series of live recordings celebrating the great composers and performers of the golden age of jazz, which began in 2002 with the Grammy-nominated "For Ella," also recorded live with the WDR Big Band in Germany.
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Collaboration with Michael Abene
Austin collaborated with keyboardist, composer, arranger, and producer Michael Abene on "Avant Gershwin." Abene's extensive experience working with renowned musicians made him an ideal partner for this ambitious project. Austin praises Abene's versatility and ability to translate her ideas into bold and unique arrangements.
Austin and Abene revitalized the Gershwin material, infusing it with a girlish enthusiasm, particularly in two medleys: one featuring Gershwin tunes about music itself, and the other a compilation of themes from the folk opera "Porgy and Bess." Austin's vision was to create arrangements that were both bombastic and passionate, drawing inspiration from Gershwin's theatrical roots.
The Live Performance Experience
The live recording of "Avant Gershwin" captures the energy and excitement of Austin's performances. Listeners may be surprised to find that Austin has included a swinging, brassy version of Al Jolson's "Swanee," which mentions the Stephen Foster staple "Old Folks at Home"-a tune that has long been a nettle in the side of conscious African-Americans for its unfettered longing for a segregated Old South where Mammy was a-waitin'.
Austin's decision to include "Swanee" was a deliberate attempt to reclaim the song and transform it into a love poem to the South. She explains that she wanted to honor the South's role in nurturing African-American culture, while also acknowledging the complexities of its history.
The Resurgence of Big-Band Music
Austin has witnessed firsthand the growing appeal of big-band music across generations. She notes that fans of all ages, from teenagers to septuagenarians, attend her concerts. Austin is encouraged by the resurgent interest in big-band music in high schools and colleges.
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In addition to her recording projects, Austin is committed to educating and encouraging the next generation in their appreciation of jazz heroes. She is starting a mentorship program and master classes to teach kids how to perform. Austin believes that the younger generation's fascination with live performance is a response to the overproduced sounds of contemporary music.
The Importance of Storytelling in Music
Inspired by Judy Garland, Austin views singing as acting. She strives to become the character of each song, conveying its emotions and narrative with authenticity. Austin prioritizes storytelling over vocal affectations, aiming to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Clarence Avant: A Legacy of Empowerment
Clarence Avant, a towering figure in the music and entertainment industries, passed away at the age of 92. Known as the "Black Godfather," Avant was a mentor and advocate for generations of Black artists and executives. He played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous musicians, athletes, and politicians.
Avant's legacy includes signing Bill Withers, promoting Michael Jackson's first solo tour, and serving as chairman of Motown Records. He also nurtured producers like Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Diddy. In the political arena, Avant advised presidents from both parties, including George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
Avant's impact on the entertainment industry was profound, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for Black talent. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
The Importance of Ego Integrity in Nursing Homes
The increasing number of older adults admitted to nursing homes highlights the importance of maintaining ego integrity in this population. Ego integrity, the integration of life cycles that embraces death, is a crucial concept for older people in nursing homes. Nurses play a vital role in managing the ego integrity of residents, promoting long-term, quality care.
Ego-integrity management involves assessing residents' needs and providing individualized interventions to help them adapt to life in the nursing home, establish harmonious relationships, and find meaning and purpose in their lives. Nurses can facilitate transcendental thinking about end-of-life issues, encourage participation in religious activities, and promote physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being.
By managing the ego integrity of residents, nurses can significantly influence their sociopsychological adaptation, particularly in the challenging environment of a nursing home. This emerging phenomenon is an important component of nursing care and can greatly improve residents' quality of life.