A native of Effingham Illinois, Austin Edwards grew up in a home full of musical talent. His
father, a skilled 12 string guitarist and vocalist, Austin’s mother, a pianist, and vocalist.
Family and friends gathering in their house to play, and sing are some of Austin’s best memories. After losing his mother to Pancreatic cancer at 6 years old, he and his dad concentrated on music as a form of therapy. His father consistently encouraged him to always make music of his own. At 9 Austin played his first show, performing “skip to my lou” at a recital in front of a large crowd, it was after receiving a standing ovation for that performance, his dreams of becoming a performer were something he would always keep in front of him. Austin’s roots are those of family, service, community, and love of God and Country. A 5th generation Veteran and third generation law enforcement officer, Austin would follow in the generations before him serving his community, but always kept his music career close.
“When I felt down, discouraged or I just needed music, instead of listening to the radio I would pick up the guitar – it just became the therapy my father instilled in my soul. As time went on therapy turned into enjoyment and I realized if I gave other people my music, they too could experience what I felt through music – it became less selfish and more of a gift to share with other people”– Austin Edwards
Austin recalls his childhood existence of music icons such as James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Peter Paul &Mary, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Gorge Jones, and Roy Orbison. All of which influenced his music career as he would grow into a well-known local talent in IL. In 2020 Edwards was invited to perform on America’s Got Talent as part of the duo Broken Roots and received the 1st runner up position on season 15. The highlight of his career to date, was in 2017 when Austin and co-writer and law enforcement brother Sgt. Ron Fabiani received an invitation to perform live at the National Law Enforcement Foundation in Washington, DC. after composing a song honoring their fallen brothers and sisters in law enforcement. They would both be inducted into the American Police Hall of fame for the composition of “Final Call “. Austin Edwards has been fortunate enough to share the stage with some of the music industry’s greatest talents, including Blake Shelton, David Allan Coe, Easton Corbin, Tim McGraw, Lee
Greenwood, Cheap Trick, Jake Owen, Eli Young Band and Parmalee. His favorite performances though, were always those he got to do with his dad. “Son, NEVER let music out of your heart because I will always live through your songs.” -Stephen Weinstock Austin often reflects on his father’s final words and ultimate belief in his ability as motivation to keep chasing his dream. He is currently touring nationally with his band and working on his freshman project as a solo artist, targeted to release in 2022. You can find Austin’s work on all streaming platforms.
On February 27, 2026 Kathleen shared the mission of SSSVP and the many paralells between Veterans and Mustangs – from that conversation Austin created the song “Wild Breeds”- he put the lyrics to music and in that moment we ALL knew it was a HIT!
Austin is honored to bring his musical talents, passion to serve, his personal experiences as an Ambassador for Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project during the May 2026 Horses For Mental Health Campaign.
