Ahmet Ertegun

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ahmet Ertegun

Role / Field:

Pioneering Turkish-American music executive, co-founder of Atlantic Records.

Born:

1923-07-30

Died:

2006-12-14

Century / Era:

1923s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Ahmet Ertegun ( AH-met AIR-tə-gən; Turkish: Ahmet Zahrettin Sebuhi Ertegün, pronounced [ahˈmet æɾteˈɟyn]; July 31, 1923 – December 14, 2006) was a Turkish-American businessman, songwriter, record executive and philanthropist. Ertegun was the co-founder and president of Atlantic Records. He discovered and championed many leading rhythm and blues and rock musicians. Ertegun also wrote classic blues and pop songs. He served as the chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and museum, located in Cleveland, Ohio.

Career & Major Achievements

Ertegun has been described as "one of the most significant figures in the modern recording industry." In 2017 he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in recognition of his work in the music business. Ertegun helped foster ties between the U.S. and Turkey, his birthplace. He served as the chairman of the American Turkish Society for over 20 years until his death. He also co-founded the New York Cosmos soccer team of the original North American Soccer League. Ahmet Ertegün's great-grandfather, İbrahim Edhem Efendi, was the last sheikh of the Üsküdar Özbekler Tekkesi, a secret base and hospital located in downtown Istanbul, used during Ottoman times and the Turkish War of Independence.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was the second son of Turkish ambassador Münir Ertegün and Hayrünnisa Rüstem. His father, Münir Ertegün, was a statesman who undertook significant duties and services during the National Struggle period. Ertegun was born Ahmet Munir in Istanbul, Turkey, on July 31, 1923. His mother, Hayrünnisa, was an accomplished musician who played keyboard and stringed instruments. She bought the popular records of the day, to which Ahmet and his older brother, Nesuhi, listened.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1923 (1923-07-30): Birth of Ahmet Ertegun — Pioneering Turkish-American music executive, co-founder of Atlantic Records.
2. 2006 (2006-12-14): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ahmet Ertegun passed away on 2006-12-14, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
3. 2017: 2017 Milestone — " In 2017 he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in recognition of his work in the music business.

Notable Quotes by Ahmet Ertegun

“I got my real education at the Howard”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ahmet Ertegun

True or False: “Ahmet Ertegun's early exposure to jazz music was primarily through recordings purchased by his mother.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he listened to records bought by his mother, his older brother Nesuhi introduced him to live jazz performances in London.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alden W. Clausen — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): American businessman, former President of the World Bank and Bank of America CEO.
• Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Jordanian jihadist militant known for orchestrating violence in Iraq (1966–2006)
• Alexander Litvinenko — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Russian defector and critic of the Kremlin, known for exposing state corruption.
• Alfredo Stroessner — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Paraguayan military dictator who ruled from 1954 to 1989, known for repression.
• Andrew Strominger — Shared historical date (07-30 · Born) (1955): American theoretical physicist specializing in quantum gravity and string theory.
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• Andrei Sakharov — Shared historical date (12-14 · Died) (1989): Soviet physicist turned Nobel laureate and fierce advocate for human rights.
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• 1923 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1923
• July 30 (07-30) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 30
• 2006 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2006
• December 14 (12-14) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 14

Frequently Asked Questions about Ahmet Ertegun