Salty grew up in a musical family and taught himself to play several instruments by ear. At age 10 he started playing at house dances to help support his family during the Great Depression. At age 13 he discovered his love for the fiddle. As a teenager he continued to play at dances and radio stations. In 1937 he moved south to pursue his musical career where he and his band played many radio shows.
In 1940, Salty volunteered to serve in the US Army during World War II. While serving, he continued to play music with a band, even after an injury nearly cost him his right hand. Known as the “Eastern King of Western Swing”, Salty has written hundreds of songs, recorded an album, and was inducted into the Fiddlers Hall of Fame in Osceola, NY.
Referring to himself as “The Austin Brothers”, Salty played all the instruments and sang lead and harmony on each recording. His current radio show is still broadcast on WRAQ 92.7 FM on Sundays at 10 am. Salty also loved boating and the water. In the past he owned a cottage on Rushford Lake and then later lived on a houseboat at Seneca Lake. He loved to travel the Erie Canal system and spent winters in Florida.
Salty was predeceased by his beloved wife Helen (DeRock) Austin in 1965. He also was predeceased by his siblings Olin, Ernie, Glenn, Stella, Florence, Irene and Lela. He is survived by his daughter Carol (Ron) Sanders of Medina, NY, son David (Berneice) Austin of Angelica, NY, son Kevin (Betsy) Austin of Odessa, NY and daughter Gayle Clynne of Oriskany, NY. Mr. Austin is also survived by many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and special nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Bath VA Community Living Center and Seneca View Nursing Home for the excellent care they provided, as well as Dr. Stephen Spaulding and his staff.
To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by David W. Ames, Director.
The family will present to receive friends on Monday (Sept. 24, 2018) from 5-7 p.m. at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 101 West Ave. Angelica, NY where funeral services will be held immediately following calling hours at 7 p.m., Pastor Kevin Austin officiating. Burial will be in the Oramel Cemetery on Tuesday at 10AM.
If you wish to make a memorial donation in Salty’s name, please send a check to:
Bath VA Voluntary Service
76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810
(please mention “Salty Austin” in the memo line of your check).
