Dallas Austin Raises Money for Music

by A.man.I

Super producer Dallas Austin knows how music can change lives, and create wealth. As a teenager, he decided to pursue his music dreams instead of finishing high school. Now Austin is trying to help keep students interested in school with music.


On Sunday, the Dallas Austin Foundation hosted its second annual "Don't Stop the Music" gala. The program donates music studios to schools, and teaches students the ins and outs of the music business. The star-studded event featured performances from Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, and Al Green, and thousands of dollers were raised from the live auction. Students from Atlanta's Booker T. Washington High, performed for the crowd as well. The school received a studio from Austin's foundation last Fall, and a song created by the students was played for the crowd.

Austin says when he started the program in 2003, he came out of his pocket to pay for the first three studios, valued at about $25,000 each. Now the annual fundraiser is helping the program grow. All of the schools that have received equipment so far are in Atlanta, but Austin is planing to take the program nationwide.

Austin is certainly doing great work, but he still hasn't spoken publicly about his arrest in Dubai last summer.

Austin talks about his foundation below.