One of the most significant figures in the modern recording industry, Ahmet Ertegün co-founded Atlantic Records in 1947 with partner Herb Abramson. Atlantic was at the forefront of great independent labels that sprang up in the late Forties, challenging the primacy of the major labels of the time (RCA, Columbia and Decca) by discovering, developing and nurturing new talent. Under the guiding hand of Ertegun, Atlantic became the nation's premier rhythm & blues label in a few short years. The label's artist roster in the Fifties included names like Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, The Drifters and many more. During this period, Ertegun produced or coproduced the vast majority of records released on Atlantic. Though he was less directly involved as a producer, Ertegun continued at the helm of Atlantic in the Sixties and Seventies as the company conquered the realms of soul and rock, from Aretha Franklin to Led Zeppelin, with phenomenal success. Ertegun serves as chairman of Atlantic Records to this day.

Ertegün died in USA on December 14, 2006.