Ahmet Ertegun Quotes

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About Ahmet Ertegun

Ahmet Ertegun, born on April 30, 1923, in Istanbul, Turkey, was a prominent music executive, songwriter, and philanthropist of Turkish descent who significantly shaped the American music industry. His father, Ahmed Muhipparo Ertegün, was a high-ranking diplomat for the Ottoman Empire. In 1935, at the age of 12, Ahmet immigrated to the United States with his family and settled in New York City. He graduated from Harvard University in 1946 with a degree in economics, but his passion for music always remained. In 1950, he co-founded Atlantic Records with Jerry Wexler, nurturing a label that would become a breeding ground for musical legends such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and the Rolling Stones. Ahmet Ertegun's influences were diverse, from early American jazz to R&B and rock 'n' roll. His keen ear for talent and unique ability to work with artists led to the creation of some of the most iconic songs in music history, including Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" and Aretha Franklin's "Respect." Ertegun was also a prolific songwriter, penning hits like "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" for Sam & Dave. His love for music extended beyond his work at Atlantic Records; he served as president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) from 1973 to 1981, helping establish the Grammy Awards. Ahmet Ertegun passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the music industry. His impact on American popular music is immeasurable, and his contribution to the world of entertainment will be remembered for generations to come.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is the diplomat, the international language."

This quote by Ahmet Ertegun highlights the universal, transcendent power of music. Just as diplomats serve to bridge gaps between nations and cultures, music has a unique ability to cross linguistic, geographical, and cultural barriers, connecting people from all corners of the globe through shared emotions, rhythms, and melodies. It's a testament to music's inherent power to foster understanding, empathy, and unity amidst diversity.

"The music business is like any other business - you have to understand it and you have to be a part of it."

Ahmet Ertegun's quote emphasizes the need for understanding and active participation in any industry, including the music business. To succeed, one must not only possess knowledge about the industry but also engage with its dynamics. This implies learning the intricacies of the market, networking, and applying practical skills to navigate and thrive within it. The quote serves as a reminder that success is not just about talent or passion; it requires strategic involvement and a deep understanding of the business landscape.

"Rock 'n' roll is my life, ever since I was a kid."

This quote by Ahmet Ertegun underscores his deep and enduring passion for rock 'n' roll music, a passion that has been a significant part of his life since childhood. It suggests that the genre is not just a casual interest or hobby, but an integral aspect of his identity and existence. The phrase "ever since I was a kid" emphasizes the longstanding nature of this connection, indicating a lifelong commitment to and appreciation for rock 'n' roll. This quote also highlights the transformative power of music in shaping one's life, as it can deeply impact individuals and influence their perspectives and choices over time.

"I want to bring out the best in people, whether they are artists or fans."

This quote by Ahmet Ertegun reflects his desire to inspire and nurture the potential within everyone, be it artists or their audience. He aims to help individuals reach their fullest capabilities, fostering creativity and appreciation in both the creators and the recipients of art. His approach fosters mutual growth and enrichment between the two parties.

"The only way that people will ever hear your music is if you get it on a record."

This quote highlights the importance of recording and distributing music in order for it to reach an audience. In essence, it emphasizes that without the medium of recorded music (such as vinyl records, CDs, or digital files), most people will not be able to experience your musical creations. The quote underscores the significance of the recording process in the dissemination of music and its impact on artists' visibility and success.

There's no place in the world you can go and not hear rock-and-roll, from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Phil Collins.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Go, Stevie, Stevie Wonder, Rock-And-Roll

Jesse Stone did more to develop the basic rock-and-roll sound than anybody else.

- Ahmet Ertegun

More, Anybody, Else, Rock-And-Roll

I'd be happy if people said that I did a little bit to raise the dignity and recognition of the greatness of African-American music.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Happy, Greatness, Be Happy, African-American

My father was in Ataturk's closest group. They lived together during the War of Liberation in Turkey.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Father, War, Turkey, Liberation

The songwriters whom we think of being the greatest songwriters usually write one hit and six or seven flops. That includes the Irving Berlins and the Hoagy Carmichaels, the Harold Arlens, Cole Porter.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Think, Seven, Six, Harold

It is very important that the world know that there have been 500 years of peaceful coexistence in Turkey between the Jews and Moslems.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Jews, Been, Very, Coexistence

Fifty years from now, people will still be listening to Led Zeppelin. They won't even remember me.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Listening, Will, Still, Led Zeppelin

When I first heard Ray Charles, he was a flop artist on a small label in California. He hadn't sold any records. And I bought his contract for $2,500.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Small, Artist, Sold, Flop

I think it's better to burn out than to fade away... it's better to live out your days being very, very active - even if it destroys you - than to quietly... disappear.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Think, Burn, Very, Fade

I've been in the studio when you go through a track and you run down a track and you know even before the singer starts singing, you know the track is swinging... you know you have a multimillion-seller hit - and what you're working on suddenly has magic.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Magic, Through, Studio, Swinging

I love Ray Charles. He can still teach everybody a lot about how to make great music. Not necessarily how to make hits, but how to make great music. Of course, part of it is his incredible talent. Who are the greatest jazz singers in the world? Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Ray Charles.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Love, Everybody, Great Music, Louis

I don't use the computer. But my secretary does. I want to take some computer courses because I'm interested in some of the access to some of the illegal things on the Internet. I'm just kidding.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Some, Access, Courses, Just Kidding

The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame will provide a center where the lives and the artistry of the greatest jazz musicians will be celebrated, and where people will come to learn about jazz, something to which my brother devoted his life's work.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Musicians, Jazz, Artistry, Celebrated

Soul lyrics, soul music came at about the same time as the civil rights movement, and it's very possible that one influenced the other.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Soul, Other, Very, Lyrics

There is a certain sort of excess that is interesting, don't you think? And America is, of course, the most excessive place.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Think, Excess, Most, Excessive

As I grew up, I began to discover a little bit about the situation of black people in America and experienced an immediate empathy with the victims of such senseless discrimination. Because although the Turks were never slaves, they were regarded as enemies within Europe because of their Muslim beliefs.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Muslim, Senseless, About, Discrimination

America is remarkable, don't you think so? When I came to Washington, I was twelve years old. I spoke English with an English accent. It was assumed that it would go on in that way.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Think, Old, Spoke, Accent

You know what I'd really like to do? I'd like to record some white Chicago jazz.

- Ahmet Ertegun

White, Some, Like, Chicago

I've lived very well all my life, even when I had no money, and there's very little I can't afford.

- Ahmet Ertegun

My Life, Very, Had, All My Life

Everyone felt like they knew Ray Charles and in a way they did, because he was embodied by his music.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Everyone, Like, Knew, Ray

I came close to signing Elvis Presley. I offered $25,000 for his contract and they asked for $45,000 and I just didn't have the other $20,000.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Contract, Other, His, Elvis

Flashy people aren't everything, you know. Even when they have frizzled hair.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Hair, Know, Even, Flashy

If anybody asks me where I'm from, my first inclination is to say, 'Washington,' because that's where I grew up meaningfully.

- Ahmet Ertegun

Say, Anybody, Grew, Inclination

Rock n' roll really belongs to all America. It really doesn't belong to one city.

- Ahmet Ertegun

City, Rock, Belong, Rock N Roll

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