Jerry Wexler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Wexler
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Gerald Wexler
January 10, 1917 The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
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| Died | August 15, 2008 (aged 91) Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Kansas State University (B.A., Journalism, 1946) |
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| Years active | 1940s–1990s |
| Spouse(s) | Shirley Kampf (divorced) Renee Pappas (divorced) Jean Arnold |
| Children | 3 |
Gerald "Jerry" Wexler (born January 10, 1917 – died August 15, 2008) was a very important music producer and journalist. He helped shape American popular music from the 1950s to the 1980s. Jerry Wexler created the name "rhythm and blues" for a type of music. He also signed and produced many famous artists. These included Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, and Dusty Springfield. Wexler was honored in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He also joined the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
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Early Life and Education
Jerry Wexler was born in The Bronx, New York City. His family later moved to the Washington Heights area. He finished high school when he was 15 years old. After serving in the Army, Wexler went to Kansas State University. He studied journalism there and earned his degree in 1946.
A Career in Music
Creating "Rhythm and Blues"
Jerry Wexler worked as a writer and editor for Billboard Magazine. During this time, he came up with the name "rhythm and blues". In 1949, he suggested that Billboard change the name of their "Race Records" chart. He felt "Rhythm & Blues Records" was a better name for the music. He believed it was more fitting for the times.
Working with Atlantic Records
In 1953, Wexler became a partner at Atlantic Records. He helped create many classic songs with artists like Ray Charles, the Drifters, and Ruth Brown. Along with Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, he helped make Atlantic Records a very powerful company in the music world.
Producing Soul Music Hits
In the 1960s, Wexler produced music for Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin. He also helped produce Dusty Springfield's famous album Dusty in Memphis. He worked closely with Stax Records and helped make the Muscle Shoals sound popular. This sound came from studios and musicians in Alabama. In 1967, he was named "Record Executive of the Year". This was because he helped turn Aretha Franklin's career around. By 1968, she became one of the most successful singers. His work made Atlantic a leader in soul music.
Signing Led Zeppelin and Moving On
In 1968, Jerry Wexler and Ahmet Ertegun signed the band Led Zeppelin to Atlantic Records. They knew the band's guitarist, Jimmy Page, was very talented. Later that year, Warner Bros. Records bought Atlantic Records. In 1975, Wexler moved to work for Warner Records.
Working with Bob Dylan and George Michael
In 1979, Wexler produced Bob Dylan's album Slow Train Coming. This album was recorded at Muscle Shoals. One song from it, "Gotta Serve Somebody," won a Grammy Award in 1980. Wexler also worked with UK pop star George Michael in 1983. They recorded an early version of the hit song "Careless Whisper" together.
Retirement and Recognition
In 1987, Jerry Wexler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He stopped working in the music business in the late 1990s.
Portrayals in Film
Jerry Wexler has been shown in several movies.
- In Ray, a movie about Ray Charles, he was played by Richard Schiff.
- In the 2021 movie Respect, which tells Aretha Franklin's story, he was played by Marc Maron.
- David Cross played him in the TV show Genius.
A documentary film about Wexler, called Immaculate Funk, was made in 2000. The film's name comes from Wexler's own way of describing the Atlantic sound.
Personal Life
Jerry Wexler was married three times and had three children. He passed away at his home in Sarasota, Florida, on August 15, 2008. He was 91 years old. When asked what he wanted on his tombstone, Wexler famously replied, "Two words: 'More bass'."
See also
- Muscle Shoals, Alabama
- Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section
- Muscle Shoals Sound Studios
- FAME Studios
- Category:Albums produced by Jerry Wexler
