Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1923, Ertegun was the son of America’s Turkish Ambassador. At 9 years old he was attending gigs in Washington DC featuring jazz greats including Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Inspired by what he saw, Ertegun and his brother Nesuhi began to stage their own concerts hosting artists such as Lester Young. In 1947, he formed Atlantic Records with friend Herb Abramson in New York, an independent record label for gospel, jazz and R&B music.

During the 50’s and 60’s Atlantic grew, signing the likes of Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin and The Drifters, patenting the blueprint of soul music. After successfully and uniquely combining blues and soul music from around the world, Atlantic became the definitive rhythm and blues label, paying performers fairly and producing high quality records. Ertegun, as always, was hands on in business and in the studio.

In 1968, Ahmet Ertegun made the magical move into rock by signing Led Zeppelin guiding them through a phenomenal career. In addition, he signed the monsters of 1970s British rock - from the Rolling Stones, through Cream and Genesis.

Ertegun was also the founder and chairman of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to which he was elected in 1987 for his pioneering contributions to popular music.

His most recent signing was UK artist Paolo Nutini whose 2006 debut album ‘These Streets’ reached number 3 in the UK Album Charts.

Ahmet Ertegun sadly died last year aged 83 after falling at a Rolling Stones concert.

Tributes to Ahmet

Mica Ertegun, Ahmet's wife and president of The Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, commented:
"Ahmet attributed his success to his excellent education, and his ability to recognize innovative artists that touched us all. It was his wish to endow music scholarships that would enable gifted children to reach their highest creative potential. The Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund was founded with that goal. He would be very proud that Led Zeppelin have chosen to re-unite and headline a benefit concert in his name featuring so many of his friends. I would like to thank all of the artists for their generous contribution to help make Ahmet's vision a reality.”

Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin:
“During the Zeppelin years, Ahmet Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord. For us he WAS Atlantic Records and remained a close friend and conspirator - this performance stands alone as our tribute to the work and the life of our long standing friend.”

Paolo Nutini:
"Meeting Ahmet Ertegun in New York 2 years ago was a complete honour. He touched my life with his amazing personality and opened a few doors when I was starting my career. He even invited me to sing with Ben E King and Robert Plant at Montreux last year as part of a celebration of his musical life. He was a special guy, a real gentleman and it’s such a shame he's gone but a massive tribute that all his music lives on - and will do forever. God bless Ahmet."

Harvey Goldsmith CBE:
"Ahmet introduced me to America when I first started promoting. He became a friend and was my mentor. Our Industry deeply misses such a giant of music. It is a fitting tribute that these great artists have all come together to perform in his memory. The proceeds of the evening will go to The Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund for student scholarships. One of these scholarships will be for a music student in the UK each year."

Bill Curbishley, Trinifold management:
"To have had Ahmet regard me as one of his close friends over the past 40yrs was indeed a rare privilege. To be involved in setting up this event, plus a music trust in his name and in his spirit is also a great honour and privilege for me."