Press Releases

US Embassy Statement

Ambassador Ross Wilson Condolence Message on the Death of Ahmet Ertegun

Ankara, December 15, 2006. 

I was very sad to learn of the death of Ahmet Ertegün in New York yesterday.  Mr. Ertegün was a pioneer in the music industry.  Since founding Atlantic Records in 1947, he not only helped shape the music industry, but also enhanced racial integration and equality during a difficult time in America’s history.  Ahmet Ertegün’s discovery and promotion of such musicians as Ray Charles, John Coltrane and Aretha Franklin brought jazz and R&B to the forefront of the pop music scene.  Mr. Ertegün was a son of Turkey, but my fellow Americans and I were also honored to claim him as our adopted son.  It was a pleasure and honor to know and work with him over the past year.  I will miss him, and I extend my sincerest condolences to his wife, Mica, to his family, and to all of his many friends and admirers.