Jerry Wexler | |
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Born | Gerald Wexler January 10, 1917 The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
Died | August 15, 2008 Sarasota, Florida, U.S. | (aged 91)
Alma mater | Kansas State University (B.A., Journalism, 1946) |
Occupations | |
Years active | 1940s–1990s |
Spouse(s) | Shirley Kampf (divorced) Renee Pappas (divorced) Jean Arnold |
Children | 3 |
Gerald Wexler (January 10, 1917 – August 15, 2008) was a music journalist turned music producer, and was a major influence on American popular music from the 1950s through the 1980s. He coined the term "rhythm and blues", and was integral in signing and/or producing many of the biggest acts of the time, including Ray Charles, the Allman Brothers, Chris Connor, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, Dire Straits, Dusty Springfield and Bob Dylan. Wexler was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and in 2017 to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.