Lovie Austin was born on September 19, 1887 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was given the birth name Cora Calhoun. As a young girl, she showed a talent for music and began playing the piano at a very early age. Growing up in the south, she was exposed to the rich musical traditions of blues and jazz that would later influence her career.
By the time she was a teenager, Lovie was already performing in vaudeville shows and with various acts, honing her skills as a musician and entertainer. She quickly gained a reputation for her musical talent and charismatic stage presence.
During the classic blues period of the 1920s, Lovie Austin emerged as an influential bandleader, session musician, and arranger. She collaborated with fellow artist Alberta Hunter on the classic song 'Down Hearted Blues,' which would become a hit for singer Bessie Smith in 1923.
Known for her fashion sense and her Stutz Bearcat, Lovie Austin quickly became a prominent figure in the music scene. She co-wrote several songs with Alberta Hunter and other artists, solidifying her reputation as a talented composer.
Lovie Austin is often compared favorably to Lil Armstrong, another prominent female jazz blues piano player of the time. Together, they were considered the greatest in their field, paving the way for future generations of female musicians.
Although she passed away in 1972, Lovie Austin's legacy lives on through her music. Her contributions to the blues and jazz genres continue to inspire musicians around the world.