Ahmet Ertegün
Ahmet Ertegun was a Turkish-American music executive, songwriter, and philanthropist, born on July 31, 1923, in Istanbul, Turkey. He was the son of Mehmet Munir Ertegun, a prominent Turkish diplomat, and Hayrünnisa Rüstem, a musician. His family moved to the United States in 1935 when his father was appointed as the Turkish ambassador to the U.S. Ertegun's early exposure to jazz and blues music in Washington, D.C.'s vibrant scene shaped his lifelong passion for music.
In 1947, Ertegun co-founded Atlantic Records, a label that became a powerhouse in the music industry, discovering and promoting legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones. He played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many iconic musicians and significantly influenced the development of blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll genres. Ertegun also contributed to the music industry as a songwriter and composer.
Beyond his music career, Ertegun was involved in philanthropy and cultural diplomacy, serving as the chairman of the American Turkish Society for over two decades. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ertegun passed away on December 14, 2006, in New York City, after sustaining an injury at a Rolling Stones concert. His legacy endures as one of the most significant figures in the modern recording industry.
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