Jerry Wexler

Jerry Wexler was a renowned music journalist, A&R representative, and record producer who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Atlantic Records alongside Ahmet Ertegun and Nesuhi Ertegun. Wexler's contributions to the music industry were instrumental in launching the careers of legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Eric Clapton. His work with Atlantic Records helped to establish the label as a major force in the music industry, with notable releases from artists like The Drifters, The Coasters, and Ruth Brown. Wexler's legacy extends beyond his work with Atlantic Records, with collaborations with other notable labels, including Stax Records and Warner Bros. Records.

● Early Life and Education

Jerry Wexler was born in New York City to a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He grew up in a musical household, with his mother introducing him to the works of George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Wexler attended George Washington High School (New York City) and later enrolled in Kansas State University, where he studied journalism and developed a passion for blues music and jazz. During his time at Kansas State University, Wexler was exposed to the music of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw, which further solidified his interest in the music industry. After college, Wexler worked as a journalist for Billboard and DownBeat, writing about music and entertainment alongside notable critics like Leonard Feather and Ralph Gleason.

● Career

Wexler's career in the music industry began in the 1940s, when he worked as a journalist and A&R representative for National Records and MGM Records. During this time, he discovered and signed artists like LaVern Baker and The Clovers, who went on to achieve significant success with Atlantic Records. Wexler's work with National Records and MGM Records brought him into contact with other notable industry figures, including Sam Phillips of Sun Records and Berry Gordy of Motown Records. In the 1950s, Wexler joined Atlantic Records as a partner, where he played a key role in shaping the label's sound and signing new talent, including The Drifters and The Coasters. Wexler's collaborations with other notable producers, such as Phil Spector and Leiber and Stoller, helped to establish Atlantic Records as a major force in the music industry.

● Atlantic Records

Wexler's work with Atlantic Records was instrumental in launching the careers of legendary artists like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. He produced many of their early recordings, including Ray Charles's What'd I Say and Aretha Franklin's Respect. Wexler's production style, which emphasized the importance of rhythm and blues and soul music, helped to define the sound of Atlantic Records and establish the label as a major force in the music industry. During his time at Atlantic Records, Wexler worked with other notable artists, including The Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. Wexler's collaborations with these artists helped to establish Atlantic Records as a major player in the rock music scene, with releases like Led Zeppelin's Led Zeppelin IV and The Rolling Stones's Sticky Fingers.

● Production Style and Legacy

Wexler's production style was characterized by his emphasis on rhythm and blues and soul music, as well as his ability to bring out the best in the artists he worked with. He was known for his attention to detail and his commitment to creating high-quality recordings, often working closely with artists like Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan to produce albums like Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs and Slow Train Coming. Wexler's legacy extends beyond his work with Atlantic Records, with collaborations with other notable labels, including Stax Records and Warner Bros. Records. His influence can be heard in the music of artists like The Band, The Eagles, and Tom Petty, who have all cited Wexler as an inspiration. Wexler's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside other notable industry figures like John Hammond and Sam Phillips.

● Personal Life and Later Years

Wexler was married to Shirley Wexler and had two children, Lisa Wexler and Paul Wexler. He was known for his love of jazz music and blues music, and was a longtime supporter of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival. In his later years, Wexler continued to work in the music industry, producing albums for artists like Etta James and Dr. John. Wexler passed away on August 15, 2008, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. His contributions to the music industry have been recognized with numerous tributes, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a place in the Blues Hall of Fame alongside other notable figures like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf.