Austin Music Icon Dr. James Polk Dies at 83

The music world mourns as accomplished keyboardist, band leader, and educator Dr. James Polk passes away at 83. He was particularly celebrated in Austin, Texas, the city that he called home for many years.

A Rich Musical Legacy

Polk leaves behind a remarkable musical legacy which includes collaborations with legendary music figures such as Ray Charles, educational contributions at Huston-Tillotson University and Texas State University, and traditionally enriching the Austin’s music scene with his unique blend of jazz and soul.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Dr. Polk hailed from a musical family – both his parents were accomplished pianists. His own musical journey started at the young age of 13 when he began to play paid gigs, encouraged and mentored by his father. Polk earned his undergraduate degree from Huston-Tillotson University in 1962 and then spent a number of years teaching at Washington High School while concurrently working towards his master’s degree at Texas A&M University.

An Influential Music Career

Notable carders in Polk’s career include playing in his own bands, “James Polk & the Brothers” and “James Polk & Co.”, as well as making significant contributions at IBM, where he was one of the first Black manufacturing buyers. One exceptional achievement in his career was his collaboration with Ray Charles, where he worked as an organist, writer, arranger, and conductor. This working relationship with Charles greatly expanded Polk’s musical horizon and significantly solidified his status in the music world.

Educational Contributions

Returning to the educational circle, Dr. Polk completed his master’s degree at Texas State University in San Marcos and then earned an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, HT. Over the years, he also became professor emeritus of jazz studies, using his experience and expertise to shape young musicians.

A Legend Remembered

In an interview carried out during a 2019 profile interview, Polk confessed that he knew he was often an underrated musician, but carried no ill feelings, stating “I know who I am. ‘To thine own self be true.’ I had no choice but to be who I am because God saw to it.” His philosophical acceptance of his life and career is reflective of the resilience and character of this remarkable musician. Throughout his life, Polk let his music speak for him, influencing generations of musicians and audibly enhancing the fabric of American music.

While there are no published plans for a public memorial as of yet, the legacy of Dr. James Polk will undoubtedly live on in the music he created and the musicians he inspired. He leaves a void in the world of music that will be hard to fill but his contribution to the field of music will continue to echo in the hearts of music lovers for generations to come.