December 15, 2006 3:04

Atlantic Records founder dies

Ahmet Ertegun’s label signed Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin

Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, has died aged 83.

A life-long jazz and blues aficionado, he and partner Herb Abramson founded Atlantic Records in 1947, challenging major labels of the time by nurturing groundbreaking artists.

Atlantic later became the premier rhythm and blues label in the United States, signing artists including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and the Drifters.

The label later diversified, representing British rock greats Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, as well as American acts Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Atlantic is now part of the Warner Music Group, carrying artists including Gnarls Barkley and The Darkness in US and Hard-Fi and Panic! At The Disco in the UK.

Ertegun was heavily involved in the music scene right until his death.

It was at a Rolling Stones concert on October 29 that he slipped and hit his head, later falling into a coma, which resulted in his death on December 14.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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