Ahmet Ertugun

Ahmet Ertegun
Ahmet Ertegun circa 1960
Background information
Also known as	A. Nugetre
Born	(1923-07-31)July 31, 1923 Istanbul, Turkey
Origin	Washington, D.C., United States
Died	December 14, 2006(2006-12-14) (aged 83) New York City, New York, United States
Genres	Blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll
Occupation(s)	Record label executive, record producer, songwriter, composer, philanthropist
Labels	Atlantic

Ahmet Ertegun (/ˈɑːmɛt ˈɛərtəɡən/, Turkish spelling: Ahmet Ertegün ([ahˈmet eɾteˈɟyn]); (July 31 [O.S. 18 July] 1923 – December 14, 2006) was a Turkish-American businessman, songwriter and philanthropist.

He was best known as the co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, and for discovering and championing many leading rhythm and blues and rock musicians. He also wrote classic blues and pop songs, and 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 Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in recognition of his work in the music business.

He was also a significant figure in fostering ties between the U.S. and Turkey, his birthplace. He served as the chairman of the American Turkish Society for over 20 years until his death. He also co-founded the New York Cosmos soccer team of the original North American Soccer League.