Pitchfork

Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, died yesterday, December 14, in New York City. He was 83 years old. The legendary executive had been in a coma following an October 29 fall backstage at a Rolling Stones concert. It was a fitting conclusion to a life that both was shaped by rock'n'roll and helped shape rock'n'roll.

The son of the United States' Ambassador to Turkey, Ertegun was born in Isanbul, Turkey in 1923 and spent his childhood traveling the world. He founded Atlantic at the age of 24 in 1947 with $10,000 borrowed from his family dentist. Through the label, Ertegun would go on to cultivate the careers of stars in virtually every era of rock history.

In the 1950s, Ertegun helped lay the groundwork for American soul and r&b as we know it by signing such artists as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and Ray Charles. Concurrently, Atlantic also released seminal jazz records by the likes of John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, and Ornette Coleman.

In the 1960s, Ertegun and Atlantic virtually invented classic rock, putting out albums by Led Zeppelin, Yes, Buffalo Springfield, Cream, King Crimson, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Blind Faith. He signed the Rolling Stones in 1971 and Genesis in 1973.

Atlantic was sold to the company that would go on to become Warner Communications in 1967. It continues to be a powerhouse to this day, with artists ranging from Diddy, Lupe Fiasco, Death Cab for Cutie, and Bjork to Gnarls Barkley, Bloc Party, the Streets, and Missy Elliott.

Ertegun wasn't just a corporate suit who sat back and counted his money from on high. In the early days in particular, he was involved in producing records and even songwriting, contributing to such classics as Ben E. King's "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)" and Ray Charles' "Mess Around". He is often credited under the name "Nugetre", which is "Ertegun" spelled backwards.

In a press release sent out last night, Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman said the following:

"All of us at Atlantic Records are profoundly saddened by the loss of our founder and mentor. The music community has lost a pioneer and an icon, and we have lost our father. Ahmet changed the course of modern music and culture, and he will live on through the timeless legacy of work that was created under his direction and care. Musicians loved him, because he truly loved them and spoke their language. The essence of Ahmet Ertegun is the essence of Atlantic Records. His passion for music and his devotion to the artists who make it have been at the very heart of this company for six decades. The soul of Ahmet Ertegun will forever be our guiding spirit, and as long as there is an Atlantic Records, it will be Ahmet Ertegun's company. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ahmet's wife, Mica, and his family during this very difficult time."