Jerry Wexler, 1917-2008
Jerry Wexler, one of the greatest producers in the history of recorded music and the man who coined the term “rhythm and blues,” died this morning in Florida. He was 91.
After getting his start as a music critic, Wexler became a partner with Ahmet Ertegun at Atlantic Records in 1953. He produced Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Dusty Springfield, and was responsible, along with Ertegun, for signing Led Zeppelin to the label. Along the way, he also produced landmark recordings by Solomon Burke, Donny Hathaway, King Curtis, the Drifters and the Sir Douglas Quintet. A monumental figure in music for having been there at the beginning for many artists and having found the right place and groove for many others, his influence on music cannot be overestimated. Fans of recent music bios will remember that he was played by Richard Schiff (“The West Wing”) in “Ray.”
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Toby! (sorry..)