Ertegun

Ertegun is a surname of Turkish origin. It is most famously associated with Ahmet Ertegun, the Turkish-American billionaire businessman and co-founder of Atlantic Records. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1923, Ahmet Ertegun moved to the United States with his family in the late 1930s. He established Atlantic Records in 1947, which became one of the most successful and influential independent record labels in the world. The label was instrumental in launching the careers of numerous iconic artists across genres such as soul, R&B, rock and roll, and jazz, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones.

Ahmet Ertegun was also a significant figure in the music industry for his advocacy for artists' rights and his role in shaping popular music. He served as president of Atlantic Records for decades and later held executive positions within Warner Music Group. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His legacy is that of a pioneering music executive who profoundly impacted the landscape of recorded music. The surname Ertegun, therefore, is primarily recognized through his extensive career and lasting influence on the music industry.