ATLANTA — We sat down with the legendary Dallas Austin who was just inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. The Atlanta native opened up about his career journey with The A-Scene’s Ryan J. Dennis inside his home in Buckhead.
Austin has produced more than 60 hit singles that debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 list with more than 20 songs spending numerous weeks in the Top 10. He is best known for his multiplatinum work with TLC, Madonna, Boyz II Men and more.
Austin’s career helped to shape today’s musical landscape, starting in the late 80’s. In addition to producing songs for diverse talent such as Michael Jackson, Indigo Girls, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Paula Abdul, he worked on movie soundtracks for Boomerang, Small Soldiers, Nutty Professor (Eddie Murphy), Poetic Justice, and White Men Can't Jump. He has also produced the movies Drumline and ATL.
“Being inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame is without question, one of the highlights of my career,” said Dallas Austin.
In his adopted hometown of Atlanta, Austin opened a recording studio (DARP - Dallas Austin Recording Projects) and label (Rowdy Records) that have served as the creative home for his immense talent.
The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) honored Austin during its 3rd annual Heroes Awards and he received the Beacon Award from the Independent Media Artists of Georgia for his contribution to film during the Fourth Annual Awards ceremony. In 2018, Austin was the recipient of the prestigious Music Innovator Icon Award at the 3rd Annual Black Music Honors Awards in Nashville.
Austin is currently an Ambassador for the global Gumball 3000 race, and also Global Citizen Forum. He is also the recipient of his historical Georgia State resolution citing Austin, "instrumental in contributing financially to the development of legislation for Georgia's Entertainment Industry's Investment Act” that has turned Georgia into a top 10 leader of film and television production, delivering an economic impact of billions of dollars since its inception in 2008.
Dallas Austin’s fellow inductees at this year's event include Missy Elliott, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jack Tempchin, and Yusuf / Cat Stevens. Carole Bayer Sager will receive the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award. Iconic music publisher Martin Bandier will receive the Visionary Leadership Award. Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Halsey will be honored with the Hal David Starlight Award and Grammy Award winning superstar Justin Timberlake will be awarded with the Contemporary Icon Award.
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