Ahmet Ertegün’s art management perspective: Atlantic records

This study aims to examine the art management perspective of Ahmet Ertegün through Atlantic Records. This study is significant in terms of revealing the effects of a music company director’s life and personal characteristics on the music company he has established and the place of the said company in the music industry. The research was planned and conducted as a case study in a qualitative design. Case studies are based on “how” and “why” questions and allow the researcher to deeply examine a phenomenon or event that he cannot control. This study sought an answer to the question of “what is going on?” by adopting an interpretative attitude. The collected data were analyzed by content analysis. The examining process was carried out by the researcher. Jazz and blues music are the genres of music, in which black people in America express themselves. A new type of music, Rock and Roll, has emerged with the influence of jazz music, which is supported in order to minimize the conflicts arising from racism in America. In the music world, which has turned into an industry with the developing technology, small independent record companies operated in the beginning. Atlantic Records, one of these independent companies, was founded in during 1930-1980s what is called a classic in the music industry. It is thought that Ahmet Ertegün’s perspective has a crucial influence on the survival of Atlantic Records until today, which was founded in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegün and his partners. This study investigates Ahmet Ertegün’s family, education and interests, which are effective in the formation of his personality. It aims to reveal the influence of Ahmet Ertegün on Atlantic Records.