Ahmet ErtegunAhmet Ertegun (July 31, 1923 – December 14, 2006) was a Turkish‑American music executive and songwriter best known as the co‑founder of Atlantic Records. Through his keen ear for talent and visionary business sense, he helped bring rhythm‑and‑blues, soul, and rock music into the mainstream, launching the careers of legends such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. Ertegun’s cross‑cultural perspective and genuine care for artists made him a pivotal bridge between African‑American music and global popular culture, earning him a lasting place in music history. more