A restaurateur and music production manager of Humble King Records in Brooklyn, New York, Jelani “Lani” Wray discovers new artists for the label. Among Jelani Wray’s other accomplishments is signing rhythm ʼn’ blues and rap artist Jovanie to the Atlantic label. Atlantic is one of the few independent companies left on the music scene, and has a long history of attracting smash-hit artists.
For several years after its founding in 1947, Atlantic Records was just three people: Ahmet Ertegun from Turkey, fellow dental student Herb Abramson, and Abramson’s wife Miriam. Focusing on jazz and rhythm ʼn’ blues, their first hit was by Henry “Stick” McGhee: Drinking Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee, regarded by some as an early example of rock ʼn’ roll.
The Atlantic roster grew to include luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, The Clovers, and Ruth Brown. Its profile rose with the signing of Ray Charles, whose blend of jazz, R & B, and other genres influenced the course of American pop music.
Other behind-the-scenes talent handled signature performers, including Jerry Wexler (Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Aretha Franklin) and Tom Dowd (The Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton). Wexler also arranged a deal with Stax Records, whose stable included soul stars Booker T and the M.G.’s, Otis Redding, and Isaac Hayes. Atlantic grew beyond its R & B roots after the 1960s with the addition of ABBA (pop); Emerson, Lake, and Palmer and Yes (progressive rock); AC/DC (heavy metal); and Phil Collins and INXS (rock).
Although Ertegun died in 2006, Atlantic is still a source of bestselling music. The current roster ranges from Lizzo and Ed Sheeran to Bruno Mars and Kelly Clarkson.
For several years after its founding in 1947, Atlantic Records was just three people: Ahmet Ertegun from Turkey, fellow dental student Herb Abramson, and Abramson’s wife Miriam. Focusing on jazz and rhythm ʼn’ blues, their first hit was by Henry “Stick” McGhee: Drinking Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee, regarded by some as an early example of rock ʼn’ roll.
The Atlantic roster grew to include luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, The Clovers, and Ruth Brown. Its profile rose with the signing of Ray Charles, whose blend of jazz, R & B, and other genres influenced the course of American pop music.
Other behind-the-scenes talent handled signature performers, including Jerry Wexler (Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Aretha Franklin) and Tom Dowd (The Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton). Wexler also arranged a deal with Stax Records, whose stable included soul stars Booker T and the M.G.’s, Otis Redding, and Isaac Hayes. Atlantic grew beyond its R & B roots after the 1960s with the addition of ABBA (pop); Emerson, Lake, and Palmer and Yes (progressive rock); AC/DC (heavy metal); and Phil Collins and INXS (rock).
Although Ertegun died in 2006, Atlantic is still a source of bestselling music. The current roster ranges from Lizzo and Ed Sheeran to Bruno Mars and Kelly Clarkson.
