Ahmet Ertegun
Ahmet Ertegun
Ahmet Ertegun; July 31 1923 – December 14, 2006) was a Turkish-American businessman, songwriter and philanthropist...
NationalityTurkish
ProfessionBusinessman
CountryTurkey
everybody great greatest holiday incredible jazz louis love music ray singers teach
I love Ray Charles. He can still teach everybody a lot about how to make great music. Not necessarily how to make hits, but how to make great music. Of course, part of it is his incredible talent. Who are the greatest jazz singers in the world? Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Ray Charles.
america assumed came english spoke twelve
America is remarkable, don't you think so? When I came to Washington, I was twelve years old. I spoke English with an English accent. It was assumed that it would go on in that way.
chicago record white
You know what I'd really like to do? I'd like to record some white Chicago jazz.
america excessive
There is a certain sort of excess that is interesting, don't you think? And America is, of course, the most excessive place.
people
Flashy people aren't everything, you know. Even when they have frizzled hair.
access computer courses illegal secretary
I don't use the computer. But my secretary does. I want to take some computer courses because I'm interested in some of the access to some of the illegal things on the Internet. I'm just kidding.
bought contract flop heard label ray sold
When I first heard Ray Charles, he was a flop artist on a small label in California. He hadn't sold any records. And I bought his contract for $2,500.
closest liberation lived war
My father was in Ataturk's closest group. They lived together during the War of Liberation in Turkey.
although america began bit discover enemies europe grew immediate muslim people regarded senseless situation turks victims within
As I grew up, I began to discover a little bit about the situation of black people in America and experienced an immediate empathy with the victims of such senseless discrimination. Because although the Turks were never slaves, they were regarded as enemies within Europe because of their Muslim beliefs.
led people
Fifty years from now, people will still be listening to Led Zeppelin. They won't even remember me.
bit dignity music people raise
I'd be happy if people said that I did a little bit to raise the dignity and recognition of the greatness of African-American music.
destroys fade
I think it's better to burn out than to fade away... it's better to live out your days being very, very active - even if it destroys you - than to quietly... disappear.
came civil influenced music possible rights time
Soul lyrics, soul music came at about the same time as the civil rights movement, and it's very possible that one influenced the other.
asked elvis offered signing
I came close to signing Elvis Presley. I offered $25,000 for his contract and they asked for $45,000 and I just didn't have the other $20,000.