Music producer Jerry Wexler dies at 91: reports

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Legendary producer Jerry Wexler, who invented the term "rhythm and blues" while helping shape the careers of stars such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, has died aged 91, reports said Friday.

Rolling Stone magazine reported on its website that Wexler, who ran Atlantic Records with Ahmet Ertegun from 1953 to 1975, died at his home in Florida.

During 22 years with Atlantic, Wexler worked with some of the music world's biggest names, including Charles, Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Willie Nelson, Cher, Dusty Springfield and Bob Dylan.

"Because of him, we use the term 'rhythm and blues' and we hail Ray Charles as 'Genius' and Aretha Franklin as 'Queen,'" Rolling Stone commented.

Wexler, who was inducted into the Rock and...