Ahmet Ertegun
About the Author
Ahmet Ertegun, the legendary co-founder of Atlantic Records, was a visionary music executive whose passion for rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock 'n' roll shaped the sound of modern music. Born in Istanbul in 1923 to a prominent Turkish diplomat, Ertegun immigrated to the United States in the 1930s, where he immersed himself in the vibrant jazz scene of Washington, D.C. Alongside his brother Nesuhi and partners Herb Abramson and Jerry Wexler, he established Atlantic Records in 1947, launching the careers of icons like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Led Zeppelin. Beyond his business acumen, Ertegun was a prolific songwriter and author, channeling his deep love for music into evocative narratives. His book 'Overnight Sensational' captures the electrifying highs and lows of the music industry's golden era, drawing from decades of insider experiences. Ertegun's legacy endures as a bridge between cultures and genres, influencing generations of artists and executives until his passing in 2006.
