Songbirds & Angels

MUSIC…

Maybe you saw her on Morgan Freeman's Blues Diva's on PBS? Or, you may have caught her singing live for a season-opener for the WWE SmackDown with 6 million viewers? Six-time Minnesota Music Award Winner and WC Handy Best New Artist Nominee, Reneé Austin calls her music a mix of R&B/Soul/Gospel with a hint of Texas. The Texas raised multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter rose to national attention in 2003 with her first international release, Sweet Talk which included the spine-tingling duet "Pretend We Never Met" with 3-time Grammy Winner, fellow Texan and friend - Delbert McClinton.

Austin released 3 CD’s between 1997-2005: Dancin' With Mr. Blue (which garnered 3 of her 6 MN Music Awards including one of her two coveted Female Vocalist of the Year), Sweet Talk, and Right About Love. Austin has shared the stage with respected artists such as Jonny Lang, Los Lobos, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Keb' Mo, Chris Mulkey and Robert Cray. Sadly, just two short weeks after the release of Right About Love, Reneé's singing career was halted just as her star was rising. Tragedy struck when during a surgical procedure, Austin's left vocal nerve became paralyzed. Unable to speak above a whisper, much less sing, Austin began a new life without music. After years of struggle and heartache Austin experienced a series of miracles and her voice has returned. She has played in festivals, clubs, churches and even Conferences such as Women On the Frontlines World Convention since her voice returned. Her new cd “Songbirds & Angels” hits the street - April 7, 2018 with an Album Release at the world renown Dakota Jazz Club. Austin’s voice has been compared to Anita Baker, Tina Turner, Regina Belle, even a female Michael McDonald. MN Fox 9 News Affiliate KMSP did a feature on Reneé and The Minneapolis Star Tribune ran a Variety Cover Story on her return.

ACTING…

As music doors began to re-open for Reneé, new doors began to open in acting. Although growing up her favorite actors were Carol Burnett, Tim Conway and Lucille Ball, acting was something Austin never had on her radar. During a SHINE showcase coaches told her she scored higher in her acting than her singing! She put her headshot/bio on a casting site and 3 weeks later ABC called asking her to be an extra on a Season 3 episode. Then they called her again for a role as a Defense Attorney in a courtroom scene for Season 4. Commercials, short films and video opportunities began to materialize, and Austin has grown to love the variety of film and tv work. Her love for improv keeps her on her toes and she hopes to do more than just drama, but branch into comedy in the future!

Austin is very excited for opportunities to act, do concerts, sing/speak at conferences, retreats, schools and events sharing her miracle story performing her original songs. Reneé’s heart is to bring a message of hope and love to the world. Her testimony is simple, " Miracles still happen. I know... because I am one."

Now who doesn't need to hear that?