Ahmet Ertegun
Ahmet Ertegun
#### A Life of Music, Passion, and Vision
Ahmet Ertegun was a Turkish-American music producer, co-founder of Atlantic Records, and a true icon in the music industry.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ahmet Ertegun's full name is Ahmet Ejüpt Ertegun. He was also known as "Jerry Wexler" during his early days in the music business.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 29, 1923, in Istanbul, Turkey, Ahmets life came to an end on December 14, 2006, in New York City.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ahmet Ertegun was a Turkish-American music producer, businessman, and philanthropist. He is best known for co-founding Atlantic Records, which became one of the most influential record labels in the history of popular music.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Istanbul, Ahmet developed a deep love for jazz and blues music. In 1935, his family moved to New York City, where he attended Dwight High School. After graduating, Ertegun attended Columbia University but dropped out to pursue a career in the music industry. At the age of 19, Ertegun landed an internship at Billboard magazine, which marked the beginning of his journey in the music business.
Major Accomplishments
Ahmet Ertegun's contributions to the music industry are immeasurable. As co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, he played a crucial role in shaping the sound of popular music for over four decades. Under his leadership, Atlantic Records signed some of the most legendary artists in history, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, among many others.
In addition to his work at Atlantic Records, Ertegun was also a prolific songwriter and producer. He wrote over 1,000 songs, including "What'd I Say" for Ray Charles and "Respect" for Aretha Franklin. His innovative production techniques and keen ear for talent helped define the sound of modern music.
Notable Works or Actions
Ahmet Ertegun's influence on popular culture extends far beyond his work in the recording studio. He was a true pioneer, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music. Some notable works and actions include:
Signing Ray Charles: In 1952, Ertegun signed Ray Charles to Atlantic Records, making him one of the first major labels to recognize the genius of this iconic artist.
Producing "What'd I Say": Ertegun produced Ray Charles' hit single "What'd I Say," which became a game-changer in the music industry.
* Signing Aretha Franklin: In 1960, Ertegun signed Aretha Franklin to Atlantic Records, launching her career as one of the most beloved and respected singers of all time.
Impact and Legacy
Ahmet Ertegun's impact on popular music is immeasurable. He played a key role in shaping the sound of modern music and paving the way for countless artists who followed in his footsteps. As a true innovator, he continued to push the boundaries of what was possible until his passing in 2006.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ahmet Ertegun is widely quoted and remembered as one of the most influential figures in the music industry. His legacy extends far beyond his work at Atlantic Records, touching countless lives through his innovative productions, groundbreaking signings, and tireless advocacy for artists.
Throughout his life, Ertegun remained true to his passion for music, always seeking new ways to express himself creatively. As a testament to his enduring impact, Ahmet Ertegun was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, cementing his place as one of the most beloved figures in the history of popular music.
Ahmet Erteguns life serves as a reminder that with dedication, passion, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, producers, and music lovers around the world.
Quotes by Ahmet Ertegun
I've been in the studio when you go through a track and you run down a track and you know even before the singer starts singing, you know the track is swinging... you know you have a multimillion-seller hit - and what you're working on suddenly has magic.
The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame will provide a center where the lives and the artistry of the greatest jazz musicians will be celebrated, and where people will come to learn about jazz, something to which my brother devoted his life's work.
The songwriters whom we think of being the greatest songwriters usually write one hit and six or seven flops. That includes the Irving Berlins and the Hoagy Carmichaels, the Harold Arlens, Cole Porter.
People like Clyde McPhatter who came out of the black churches – like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin – were all church singers who became great pop singers because gospel singing is very close to the blues.
Whenever a songwriter writes a big hit, then the next 20 songs they write – no matter how bad they are – get recorded.
The first time I heard Clyde McPhatter singing with the Dominoes at the Apollo I just fell off my chair.
My father was a very religious person. And he prayed five times a day. And he did that throughout his relationship with Ataturk – at a time when it was very brave to do because Ataturk was cutting off the heads of the imams. And people thought that that was foolhardy of my father.