Jerry Wexler

Jerome "Jerry" Wexler (born 10 January 1917) is a music journalist turned highly influential music producer, and is regarded as one of the major record industry players behind 1960s soul music. He was born in the Bronx, New York City, into an Orthodox Jewish family.

Related Topics:
10 January - 1917 - Soul music - Bronx - New York City - Orthodox Jewish

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Wexler served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he attended Kansas State University, and following graduation went to work for BMI and the publishing division of MGM. He became a partner in Atlantic Records in 1953. There followed classic recordings with Ray Charles, the Drifters and Ruth Brown. With Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun he built up Atlantic into a major force.

Related Topics:
United States Navy - World War II - Kansas State University - Atlantic Records - Ray Charles - Drifters - Ruth Brown - Ahmet - Nesuhi Ertegun

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In the 1960s he notably recorded Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin, cultivated a tight relationship with Stax Records, and founded the fortunes of the Muscle Shoals studio and rhythm section. His work in this decade put Atlantic at the forefront of soul music.

Related Topics:
Wilson Pickett - Aretha Franklin - Stax Records - Muscle Shoals - Soul music

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