(September 19th 1887 - July 10th 1972)

Cora Calhoun was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1887 to a large family of eight brothers and sisters. She was a talented pianist and after graduating from high school would further her musical education attending both Roger Williams University and Knoxville College. After two failed marriages and time spent living in Detroit, Cora moved to Chicago and formed her "Blues Serenaders". In addition to making her own recordings with her high profile band, Lovie (her stage name) also accompanied various big name singers including Ma Rainey, Ida Cox, Ethel Waters, and Alberta Hunter. Lovie Austin lived and worked in 'The Windy City' for the rest of her life and in the 1930's became the musical director at the Monogram Theater.