Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive: Interview with Charles “Chuck” Austin

Audio Oct. 30, 2024
Pete Henderson, Will Austin, Will Smith (seated), Charles "Chuck" Austin, and Tommy Turrentine (left to right), Harris Studio, 1950

Listen to Charles “Chuck” Austin (1927–2012), trumpeter and cofounder of the African American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh, talk about his passion for music, performing at local clubs, and being involved in musicians’ unions. This interview was conducted and recorded by Charlene Foggie-Barnett and Kerin Shellenbarger on April 27, 2011.

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Excerpt 1: How he started playing music

Excerpt 2: His passion for music

Excerpt 3: Playing at the Hurricane, Little Paris, and other venues in the Hill District

Excerpt 4: The musicians’ union and hiring practices