Who Is Ahmet Ertegun? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ahmet Ertegun was born on July 31, 1923, in Istanbul, Turkey, and passed away on December 14, 2006. Renowned as a co-founder of Atlantic Records, he played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape from the 1940s onwards. His enduring influence extended to various genres, including rock, jazz, and blues, solidifying his status as a key figure in the music industry.
In 2025, Ertegun's influence is still palpable, as his legacy inspires countless musicians and entrepreneurs in the entertainment sector. Even years after his passing, his achievements continue to be celebrated in various biographies and retrospectives.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1923 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Turkey |
| Date of death | 14 December, 2006 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Ahmet Ertegun's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific physical dimensions for Ahmet Ertegun were not commonly noted, he was known for his charismatic personality and sharp attire, contributing to his presence in both business and social settings.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ahmet Ertegun married his wife, Mica Ertegun, in 1950, and they remained together until his death in 2006. The couple had no children. Throughout his life, Ertegun was known to maintain a close-knit network of friendships, often engaging with prominent figures in the music and entertainment industries. His relationships were marked by mutual respect and admiration, creating an extended family of artists he often referred to as close friends.
Ahmet Ertegün's great-grandfather, İbrahim Edhem Efendi, was the last sheikh of the Üsküdar Özbekler Tekkesi. 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.
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 brother, Nesuhi, listened. His older brother Nesuhi introduced him to jazz music, taking him at the age of nine to see the Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway orchestras in London.
In 1935, Ahmet and his family moved to the US with his father who was appointed as the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the United States. When Ahmet was 14, his mother bought him a record-cutting machine, which he used to compose and add lyrics to instrumental records.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ahmet Ertegun left behind a significant legacy, with estimates of his net worth exceeding $300 million. This wealth was largely accrued through his groundbreaking work in music production and investments in various enterprises. In 2025, he is remembered as one of the wealthiest figures in the music industry, with ongoing royalties from many iconic recordings produced during his tenure.
Career, Business and Investments
Ahmet Ertegun’s career was defined by formidable achievements, including the founding of Atlantic Records in 1947 alongside Herb Abramson. Under his leadership, the label signed groundbreaking artists like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and Led Zeppelin. His keen business acumen differentiated him in an era dominated by traditional record labels, allowing Atlantic to flourish and innovate.
Aside from Atlantic Records, Ertegun also indulged in several investments in music-related ventures, including consulting roles and partnerships that further propelled the music industry into new territories. His business strategies and understanding of music trends set the stage for future entrepreneurs.
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.
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.
Social Network
Ahmet Ertegun’s network was extensive and included an array of high-profile musicians, producers, and celebrities. Renowned figures in rock and jazz music frequently paid tribute to him, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through various online platforms and social media. His connections not only shaped his career but also influenced the sound and direction of modern music.
Like the Erteguns, many independent record executives were from immigrant backgrounds, including the Bihari and the Chess brothers. The Ertegun brothers brought a jazz sensibility (and many jazz artists) into R&B, successfully combining blues and jazz styles from around the country.
Atlantic helped challenge the primacy of the major labels of the time by discovering, developing, and nurturing new talent. It became the premier rhythm and blues label in a few years and, with the help of innovative engineer/producer Tom Dowd, set new standards in producing high-quality recordings.
Atlantic was among the first labels to record in stereo, and in 1957 was the first record company to utilize an 8-track tape machine.
Education
Ertegun studied at St. John's University in New York City, where he delved into the world of music and literature. His education laid the groundwork for his later success in the music industry, providing him with the knowledge and connections essential for his groundbreaking career.
Ertegun's love for music attracted him to the heart of Washington, D.C.'s black district where he would frequently see such top acts as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. He attended Landon School, an affluent all-male private school in Bethesda, Maryland.
Ahmet joked, "I got my real education at the Howard"; Howard being the Howard Theatre, an historic performance space located in Washington, D.C. Despite his affluent upbringing, Ertegun began to see a different world from his wealthy peers.
Ertegun would later say: "I began to discover a little bit about the situation of black people in America and experienced immediate empathy with the victims of such senseless discrimination, because, although Turks were never slaves, they were regarded as enemies within Europe because of their Muslim beliefs."
