15 August 2008 19:10

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MUSIC LEGEND WEXLER DEAD AT 91


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MUSIC LEGEND WEXLER DEAD AT 91

Music mogul JERRY WEXLER has died at the age of 91.
The former journalist became a partner at Atlantic Records and helped steer the likes of Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles to success.
After serving in the Army, Wexler was hired as a writer for music industry trade paper Billboard in 1947. While there, he coined the term 'rhythm and blues' and discovered a passion for the music business.
He became a partner at Atlantic in 1953.
As well as working closely with Atlantic's top artists, Wexler gave fabled Southern soul label Stax a big break when he signed the then Satellite Records to a distribution deal in the mid-1960s.
He also signed Led Zeppelin to Atlantic and produced hit albums by Etta James, Bob Dylan and Dire Straits.
In 1994, Wexler penned the autobiography Rhythm + the Blues: A Life in American Music.


15 August 2008 19:10







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