Ahmet Ertegun, the Atlantic Records co-founder, helped establish the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.
Ertegun founded Atlantic Records with Herb Abramson in 1947 and became one of the most influential executives in recorded music. Atlantic built a landmark catalog in rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, and rock, working with artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Led Zeppelin.
In 1983, Ertegun helped create the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and served as a central figure in developing the institution. He assembled a group that included music-industry executives, attorneys, and Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner. The Foundation later oversaw the selection and induction of honorees.
The answer is sometimes confused with Jerry Wexler, another important Atlantic executive and later a Hall of Fame honoree. Berry Gordy founded Motown, while Clive Davis led other major record companies. Ertegun’s role was distinctive because he was both an Atlantic pioneer and a founder of the Hall’s governing foundation.