Memphian James Austin became the voice of the renowned Doo Wop/R&B group The Platters in 1968. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in July of 2005. A month later he started complaining of fatigue. Little did his family and friends know he was in the final stage of lung cancer. It put an end to his musical career and claimed his life on Christmas Eve. He was 68 years old. Austin left behind a wife of 13 years and 3 children.

"James wasn't just a performer," says his widow Janet Netters-Austin. "He was very active in the Memphis music community. He was known for his giving spirit. When he wasn't on the road, he was helping a fellow musician or entertaining children in local schools."

Netters-Austin created The James Austin Musicians Assistance Program Foundation or JAMAP in honor of her late husband. The JAMAP (James Austin Musicians Assistance Program) was created to seek and explore ways and means to provide funds/financial aid for medical insurance, living expenses for professional singers/musicians/technical persons who may be stricken with catastrophic illnesses, personal, family or medical crisis and have little or no means of defraying expenses necessary for medical care.

The first JAMAP Benefit Concert is scheduled for Sunday, November 19th at the New Daisy Theater on Beale Street from 4-9 p.m. The cost is $25 at the door.

According to Netters-Austin a preliminary survey of Memphis musicians currently performing in some of the most profitable venues reveals 12 out of 20 do not have medical or life insurance. "There are local musicians who have passed away and didn't even have burial insurance. There are entertainers who simply need help with their living expenses. We want to fulfill some of these needs."

The line-up for the benefit show includes Country recording artist Doug Stone, legendary Jazz saxophonist Hank Crawford, Blues artist Stacey "The Blues Doctor" Mitchhart, New Age Jazz artist Candice Ivory, Free World, Ruby Wilson, Preston Shannon, Sal Crocker, The Masqueraders, The Memphis Icebreakers, James Govan, The King Beez, Jon Felix, Tony Thomas, Orange Mound Jazz Messengers, TJ Graham, Billy Gibson, Elmo and The Shades, Pat Da Genesis and many more.

There are just as many influential friends and supporters on the JAMAP Foundation Committee. They include recording artist Isaac Hayes, composer/saxophonist Kirk Whalum, PGA Golfer John Daly, former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Barry Switzer, "The Queen of Beale Street" Ruby Wilson, George Klein, Irwin Sheft, James Harvey, Ephriam Urebuv, George Hunt, Mike Glenn, Judd Phillips, Ken Hall, Clayton McGonigle, Steve Owens, Pat Agnew, Richard Cushing, J.W. Gibson and Angela Ghoreshi.

Netters-Austin is chairing the event along with Russell McDonald and Tab Buford. Emceeing the event are Isaac Hayes, Malvin Massey of FM 91.7 and former television news reporter/anchor Tran Bui. Sonny Turner, the current lead vocalist of The Platters is making a special appearance. Austin-Netters is also presenting the first JAMAP Foundation Award to her late husband's dear friend Isaac Hayes for his contributions to the local music community.

"James shared his talents with millions and gave his personal support to countless fellow professional in their time of need."

Now James Austin's family and friends want to help provide that support as a tribute to the man who touched so many lives.

For more information, contact Janet Netters-Austin at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (901) 281-0011 or Kym Netters (901) 315-3846.

Appeared in:

• Commercial Appeal
• ABC 24/CW 30 "The Buzz"
• WREG Channel 3 Live @ 9
• WMC Channel 5 Weekend Morning News
• Fox 13 Good Morning Memphis
• WREC 600 AM Morning News
• RSVP Magazine