Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun has died aged 83.
Ertegun was responsible for the careers of Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Ray Charles and signed the Rolling Stones in the 70s. He died after falling into a coma following a head injury sustained at a Rolling Stones concert in October and will be buried in his native Turkey.
A keen jazz fan, Atlantic Records was initially set up as a jazz and blues label by Ertegun and Herb Abramson in 1947, and quickly developed a reputation as one of the leading independent labels with signings including Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. It's now part of the Warner Music Group and includes Missy Elliott, James Blunt and Bloc Party among its signings.
A principal founder and current chairman of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Ertegun was himself inducted into The Hall of Fame for his influence on the history of contemporary music. A mentor to many musicians, he was characterised in the Ray Charles biopic Ray, and his life will be honoured by a memorial service in the New Year.
12:22 PM | 15/12/2006
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Hello,
could you please let me know if Aretha Franklin is still under the Atlantic Label?
Thank you
Patricia
Posted by Patricia Scotland at 4:39 PM | 09/02/2007 | Report Abuse
Check out my Tribute Video for Ahmet Ertegün
www.modern-popart.com
Thank You
Halkan Onuk
Posted by Halkan Onuk at 12:38 PM | 11/02/2010 | Report Abuse
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