Dallas L. Austin (born December 29, 1970) is an American songwriter, record producer, and film producer from Columbus, Georgia. He grew up playing instruments and DJing at his parents’ nightclub, The Party Club. Interested in music from age 7, he convinced his mother to buy him keyboards with a promise to improve.
After his father’s death, his family moved downtown. Facing challenges like his brothers’ jail time and a defining moment when a brother threw a keyboard, Austin left for Atlanta to live with his aunt. His mother later joined, despite Ku Klux Klan threats.
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Dallas Austin Net Worth
Dallas Austin has a net worth of $20 million. He is known for working with musical acts like Boyz II Men, TLC, Monica, and Another Bad Creation. In 1992, Austin co-founded the label Rowdy Records with L.A. Reid, and later started the short-lived labels Limp Records and Freeworld Entertainment.

Among his many achievements, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his significant impact on the music industry as a songwriter and producer.
Early life
As young men, Dallas Austin’s two brothers were frequently in and out of jail. As a teenager, one brother threw a keyboard across Dallas’s bedroom, deeply upsetting him because music was his escape.
This became a defining moment, prompting him to leave Columbus and move to Atlanta to live with his aunt. To keep the family together, his mother moved later after saving money and working in an Atlanta restaurant. Despite their efforts, the Ku Klux Klan remained a persistent threat in their neighborhoods.
Career
Dallas Austin started in music when his manager William “Vybe Chyle” Burke introduced him to Joyce Irby of Klymaxx. Joyce signed him as an exclusive producer for Diva One Productions and helped shop his work to labels. In 1989, she landed a solo deal with Motown Records, scoring hits including “Mr. DJ” co-produced by Austin.
He produced songs for Troop’s Attitude album. Austin frequented an Atlanta skating rink with future collaborator T-Boz, where a studio was built for Organized Noize. His mother eventually supported his career after school guidance advice.
Personal life
Dallas Austin has three children, including a son, Tron Austin, born in 1997 with TLC singer Chilli. He also helped raise his niece following the death of his brother, Claude Austin, in 1994.

Despite personal challenges, Austin balanced family responsibilities with his growing music career. His close family ties and support for loved ones have been a significant part of his life story, reflecting both his dedication as a father and his commitment to family after his brother’s passing.
Did Dallas Austin date Kim Porter?
Dallas Austin revealed that he dated Kim Porter, and their relationship inspired the young love portrayed in the movie Drumline. He said the romance between Nick Cannon and Zoe Saldana‘s characters was based on his real-life experience with Porter.
Conclusion
Dallas Austin’s net worth of $35 million is a testament to his successful career in the music industry, marked by his ability to innovate and adapt in a constantly evolving field. His story is an inspiration for upcoming music producers and artists.
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FAQs about Dallas Austin Net Worth
- What genres is Dallas Austin known for producing? Austin is known for producing in various genres, including pop, R&B, and hip hop.
- Has Dallas Austin won any awards for his work? Details about specific awards are not widely known, but his success in the industry is evident.
- What other roles does Dallas Austin hold in the music industry? Besides producing, he is also a songwriter, guitarist, and keyboard player.
- What notable artists has Dallas Austin worked with? He has worked with Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, and many other high-profile artists.
- Has Dallas Austin been involved in any philanthropic activities? Information about his philanthropic involvement, if any, is not widely publicized.