Ahmet Ertegun

Date of Birth: July 31, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 14, 2006

Biography

Ahmet Ertegun was a Turkish-American businessman, best known as the co-founder and president of Atlantic Records. Born into a diplomatic family, Ahmet’s father was the Turkish Ambassador to the United States. Ahmet moved to the U.S. in 1935 and attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, before pursuing a career in the music industry. Together with Herb Abramson, Ertegun founded Atlantic Records in 1947. Under his leadership, Atlantic became one of the most influential record labels in history, discovering and nurturing talents such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. Ahmet was not only a savvy businessman but also a passionate advocate for music and culture, contributing immensely to the popularization of jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. He passed away in 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Ahmet Ertegun

1. Ahmet Ertegun co-founded Atlantic Records in 1947 with an initial investment of just $10,000.

2. He was instrumental in the careers of some of the greatest musicians of all time, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Led Zeppelin.

3. Ertegun was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

4. He was a founding member of the New York Cosmos soccer team in the North American Soccer League.

5. Ahmet was known for his extensive art collection, which included works by Picasso and Matisse.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ahmet Ertegun

1. “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.”

2. “I believe in working in a way where you give credit to your artists. They are the ones who make the music.”

3. “I wanted to make records that would last forever.”

4. “Music is the one art that touches every single person.”

5. “In the end, the music speaks for itself.”