Kinda OT: Ahmet Ertegun on "American Masters"

[jbote]

For those of you who get PBS here in the states, the series "American Masters" is running an excellent documentary on the life of Ahmet Ertegun, the man who started Atlantic Records.

 

An amazing life - and boy, did he know talent. His work in 50's R&B alone would be enough for most, getting Ray Charles, The Coasters, The Drifters, Big Joe Turner, Ben E. King on his label and producing many of the sessions himself. Then came Bobby Darin, and then Aretha Franklin, and then, showing he wasn't afraid of rock and roll, Led Zeppelin. (And all of that is still the tip of the iceberg.)

 

Great interviews with Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, and scores of others. Great performance footage too.

 

Worth seeking out.

[Fumblyfingers]

I enjoyed it...I caught bits and pieces due to other obligations. Next time I see it I am gonna DVR it.

[Gruupi]

I watched that the other night, I learned alot. It shows that not all big wigs were in it just for them money. He loved music from an early age and had an uncanny ability to recognize a stylistic elements that could produce hits. I'm sure he made a good living but the artists interviewed seem to say they were thankfull to have him behind their music. They kind of glossed over how he may have not payed royalties to alot of his early black artists, it was standard industry practice. These same businesses now complain about people stealing from them (downloads, tab, and such). I'm not saying its right on either side, just kind of fishy.

 

I think the marketing of Led Zeppelin was genius on all accounts. I'm not sure how much Atlantic had to do with the plan, but the mysteriousness behind the band just made me want to buy more. I think thats the only major band where I bought all the albums, even when I was a teenager and barely had the money to buy them ( I rememeber saving lunch money). I know it was the bands decision to not focus on singles, but it seemed to work out for everyone. They made great albums with no filler, they sold well consistantly, and managed for many years to keep the quality high. I can't imagine a record company before or since giving that much control to a band and still being able to make some dough.

[Guitar55]

Ahmet was one of the greatest non-playing participants in molding the music of the 20th century. He shares a place with John Hammond and Clive Davis.

 

BTW..I'd say this subject is not "OT" in the least.