Claire Austin

A vocalist blending classic blues with traditional jazz, Austin began by studying piano in Tacoma before performing in nightclubs across the Northwest. In the mid-'40s she took her singing to venues throughout the Midwest. Early and mid-'50s sessions found her recording alongside Turk Murphy, after which she fronted an all-star ensemble during 1955 and 1956. Austin returned to the studio for the GHB label in 1966.