This American Masters episode showcases the wonderful influence of Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records. Since the label's founding in 1947, some of the most popular Rhythm and Blues and Rock 'n' Roll artists have worked for Atlantic. Among them: first artist Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, The Coasters, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Phil Collins and many more. Also covered are many of the Atlantic crew like engineer Tom Dowd, producer Jerry Wexler, and songwriters Mike Lieber and Jerry Stoller. Mostly, this two hour documentary covers Ahmet's life from his childhood in Turkey to his moving to the United States as a teenager when he experienced some of the most happening sounds of Harlem to his discoveries of some of the greatest musicians the world has ever known. Atlantic artist Bette Midler narrates this loving look at her boss that manages to capture Ertegun's essence just before he died after falling backstage at a Rolling Stones concert last December. Well worth seeking out for anyone interested in the history of Rock 'n' Roll.
American Masters (TV Series)
Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built (2007)
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Turning The Many Pages Of Atlantic Records' History
strong-122-4788852 July 2015
In 2006, Ahmet Ertegun (one of the founding members of Atlantic Records) died at the ripe, old age of 83.
In its heyday, Atlantic Records (which was founded by Ertegun in 1947) was one of the most successful, independent record companies in the USA. In 1967, it was sold to Warner Bros./Seven Arts for $17 million.
Through stills, vintage footage, and recent interviews, this fairly interesting documentary pays tribute to Ertegun. This DVD covers Atlantic Records' first 60 years (outlining a lucrative business venture which greatly helped to influence the direction of contemporary music, especially that of soul music in the 1960s).
The following is but a short list of pop music celebrities who make an appearance in this documentary to retell their "Ertegun" stories and their association with Atlantic Records - Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin and Jimmy Page.
In its heyday, Atlantic Records (which was founded by Ertegun in 1947) was one of the most successful, independent record companies in the USA. In 1967, it was sold to Warner Bros./Seven Arts for $17 million.
Through stills, vintage footage, and recent interviews, this fairly interesting documentary pays tribute to Ertegun. This DVD covers Atlantic Records' first 60 years (outlining a lucrative business venture which greatly helped to influence the direction of contemporary music, especially that of soul music in the 1960s).
The following is but a short list of pop music celebrities who make an appearance in this documentary to retell their "Ertegun" stories and their association with Atlantic Records - Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin and Jimmy Page.
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