Austin Powell
The Cats and the Fiddle
Austin Powell
Austin Powell was a vocalist, guitarist, tenor saxophonist, band leader and songwriter. Born in Chicago, IL, he formed The Four Cats And A Fiddle in 1937 with Jimmy Henderson, Ernest Price, Charles Barksdale, and Bessie Mitchell. In 1938 they were James Henderson, Willis Rogers, Ernest Price, Chas Barksdale, and Austin Powell. Then Willis Rogers left and they began to record for Bluebird in 1939.
In 1940 Herbie Miles replaced James Henderson. Chuck Barksdale on bass was The Fiddle; the other three hep cats of course : Ernie Price on tiple, Herbie Miles and Austin Powell (sitting) (on guitar).
I Miss You So was a famous success for the group led by Powell. Several artist recorded that tune including Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton, Fats Domino and Paul Anka.
In 1941 Tiny Grimes joined in replacing Herbie Miles.
In 1946 Herbie Miles is back and Tiny Grimes left, George Steinbeck took the bass instead of Barksdale.
In 1949 Shirley Moore on piano replaced Miles and in 1950 Doris Nighton took the piano place.
From now on, Austin Powell went solo and also played with Ruth Brown, Timme Rogers, Big Nick Nicholas, Louis Jordan and Bubber Johnson.
He stoped recording in 1959 and died in Queens, NY.
