Jerry Wexler

Influential music producer, journalist and Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler passed away at the age of 91 on August 15, 2008.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: January 21, 1917
2. Birth place: New York, New York
3. Religion: Judaism
4. Spouses: Shirley Kampf, Renee Pappas and Jean Arnold
5. Served in World War II
6. Coined the term "Rhythm and Blues"
7. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987
8. Published a memoir entitled Rhythm and the Blues in 1993
9. Died: August 15, 2008
10. Cause of death: Congenital heart failure²

Career Highlights

Wexler began his career in the music industry as a writer and editor for Billboard magazine in the late 1940s. He joined Atlantic Records as a co-owner in 1953 and was an influential force at the company for over 20 years.³ During his career, Wexler worked with several highly successful musicians, including Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Dusty Springfield, Dire Straits and George Michael.²

Quotes

"Always answer the phone. You never know if it's a hit calling."—Jerry Wexler⁴

"He loved black music, R&B music and rhythm and blues was his foundation. He had a feeling for it, he had the knack to keep it going in his heart and recognize the talent that he felt was real. Jerry Wexler didn't change the sound of America, he put the sound to the public. He open the doors and windows to the radio stations ... and made everybody listen."—Solomon Burke²

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