Johnta Austin: Songwriter grabs the mic

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Johnta Austin: Songwriter grabs the mic

Atlanta's own Johnta Austin has won Grammys for writing hits for other artists. Now he sets his sights on being a performer.

R&B vocalist-songwriter-producer Johnta (pronounced 'John-tay') Austin performed several songs and dined with local music industry bigwigs and staffers at Emeril's Restaurant in Buckhead Thursday night. The Island Def Jam artist is promoting his soon to be released album, 'Ocean Drive.'

Johnta Austin converses with Island Def Jam's Rod Gunther (left) and Ron Hurd (glasses). As a songwriter he has won two Grammy Awards, his first as a co-writer of Mariah Carey's hit 'We Belong Together' and his second as a co-writer of Mary J. Blige's hit 'Be Without You.'

Johnta Austin has written songs for Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Tyrese Gibson, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Toni Braxton, Fantasia, Ciara, Monica, Bow Wow, Chris Brown and Marques Houston.

Johnta Austin entertains upstairs at Emeril's in Buckhead at a showcase for local record and radio executives. The Atlanta native cites Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder as primary vocal influences, R. Kelly and Babyface as among those who have inspired his craft as a songwriter and Quincy Jones as a producer whose work he deeply admires.

Jermaine Dupri (right) signed Johnta to his So So Def label, and released Austin's debut solo album, 'Ocean Blue,' in late 2006.

Johnta Austin sings at an intimate gathering at Emeril's.

An appreciative overflow crowd reacts to the gifted singer and composer.

The private room upstairs at Emeril's was packed as Johnta Austin performs.

Summer Chanay (from left), Kash Howard, and Springtyme mingle at the showcase.

Emeril's Restaurant was the host for the special showcase Thursday evening.

Johnta Austin and Island Def Jam provided dinner, fine wine and a live performance for their guests.

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R&B vocalist-songwriter-producer Johnta (pronounced 'John-tay') Austin performed several songs and dined with local music industry bigwigs and staffers at Emeril's Restaurant in Buckhead Thursday night. The Island Def Jam artist is promoting his soon to be released album, 'Ocean Drive.'

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