What'd I Say?

To celebrate the amazing life and its charismatic founder Ahmet Ertegun, this is the behind-the-scenes story of the rise of Rock and Roll, seen through the eyes of those who made the history.

---

Ahmet Ertegun created Atlantic Records in 1948 building it to become the single most important record label of the post war era. By the early 1950s he had signed John Coltraine, Charles Mingus, Ray Charles and LaVern Baker. By 1960 Atlantic dominated World music having signed just about anyone who was anyone in the newly enfranchised pop scene and the company went on to dominate the rock industry for the next three decades. The roster of Atlantic talent over 50 years is a rock and roll hall of fame many of whom have contributed to this book. They include: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Robert Plant, Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Phil Spector, Jack Bruce, Jewel, Tori Amos, Cher, Booker T, Rufus Thomas, Steven Stills, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Young Rascals, Maurice Gibb, Dr John, Yes, Greg Allman, Chic, Manhattan Transfer, Sister Sledge, Genesis, Phil Collins, Blues Borthers, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jones, Julian Lennon, and many, many more. Never before has Ahmet Ertegun talked comprehensively about his life in music nor about the bands he signed, how he found them and nurtured them.
A team of the world's finest rock journalists write on each era of rock and roll, from the early days to the 1960s, to the mega groups of the 70s, Punk, and the modern era from Country to the Lemonheads and Jewel. With over 1000 colour and black and white photographs, many never before seen, this is a celebration of the history of Atlantic and of Rock and Roll by the people who made the history.