Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built

This was a great documentary, but it is only part of the story. I met Ahmet back in 1976 when he was helping Mic Jagger form his own label and they were recording my friend, bluesman Luther Allison. I recently saw Ahmet again at the Jazz Musuem of Harlem promoting the music he loved best, jazz. Even in his last years ,he never stopped tirelessly pushing jazz and black music in general. He was always headed to somewhere to try to keep the music and the legacy alive.I say part of the real story, because I know many of the artists that were with Atlantic and most were unhappy about the way they were treated there. Ruth Brown, who helped build Atlantic, had to secure work as a domestic to survive... whereas Mic Jagger has never looked back.This documentary is only deals with the Ready for Prime Time story of what Atlantic did. There were decisions that affected a lot of people involved with Atlantic, that were unfavorable to them. Why do you think Ray Charles left? As you watch the movie , you have to read between the lines.Ahmet confronted racism, but sometimes he was also a part of it. The needs of the business often overshadowed what he knew was right. Still what he did was invaluable to music , as we know it in America.He says in the film that there are only two types of music in America, 'there is black music and then there are those who imitate black music'... a very profound, sad and true statement that most do not want to recognize or accept.So this movie is one slice of the story. Out of the light of the cameras , you will hear a much different one.. as I have.It is still worth having because it is a major part the history of music in this country. I also pre-ordered a copy and now I can enjoy it whenever I like. I can use it to educate kids that are too young to remember it as I did. I grew up with Atlantic. One of my first 45-rpm records was Aretha singing "Respect". But I had heard the Alantic artists all thru my childhood.Ahmet Artegun is an American hero. He gave the world music that we still enjoy today. The music he recorded has influenced every artist since the label was created. This film should be viewed by any serious student of American music or of American history. The music reflected the times and the changes in our culture. It shows the good and the bad, if you read between the lines.Who will take up the cause now that Ahmet is gone? Who will fight to see that Americans greatest and only art form, black music, is not forgotten. Maybe some teen watching this film will be the next restless soul and try to seek justice for those who are often forgotten.The world will never be able to repay the debt it has to Ahmet for what he has done to enrich the lives of all of us. He triumphed not because of America, but in spite of it.

I would have given this 5 Stars, as I believe Atlantic Records was that great of a label. Growing up in the 60s, those red and black Atlantic 45 RPM labels made me buy the single without knowing or having heard the single just by the sheer fact if it was on Atlantic, it was bound to be great. So, one would think, I should give a 5 Star review. Here is why I did not, it is for what it is missing. 1. This documentary praises Ahmet a bit too much. While he was essential and the driving force behind the label, it is too much of a love fest. If I wanted to hear and see a love fest; I would hear Clive Davis talk about himself and spin how he was the greatest thing to music that ever happened. 2. It completely does not talk about Atlantic Jazz. Atlantic was started as a Jazz label, and launched some major careers in the early 50s...Coltrane, Coleman, Hancock, Davis, etc. None of this is mentioned or it is glossed over so quickly, you can not even hit pause to find it. 3. The "dark side" of Atlantic. Pure and simple, they screwed Stax Records of all its masters with its distribution deal. Jerry Wexler always claims he and Ahmet knew nothing about it, and that the attorney's did that. And Jim Stewart (Stax) states he never read the fine print. Not sure who to blame, but is a sad commentary and a rather dark blemish on what was considered to be one of the GREAT LABELS ever. (Get "Respect Yourself...the Stax Records Story" for those details).Based on these three MAJOR omissions to the documentary I must give it 4 Stars. The remaining is a fascinating tail of a great label and its continued dominance to this day.

Motown still reigns as the world's #1 label in producing superstars, creating its own genre of music and as much a part of American history, as it has been, in music history. However, Columbia and Atlantic reign as two big mainstream labels with Atlantic having a rich history in both classic rock and southern R&B. Columbia graduated from original cast albums, soundtracks and Mitch Miller A&R into rock giants. But, the other "A" in music labels is Arista Records, which dominated the late 80s thru the 90s.Motown owns the distinction of creating great artistic specials like their Emmy winning, "Motown 25" that broke Nielsen ratings hit winning not only the week, but, also the year's (1983) Most Watched Entertainment and Variety Special. Atlantic had a 50th Anniversary concert that aired in 4 hours on HBO. Though it had none of the magic of "Motown 25", it was a good retrospective of the label that also complimented this book.Artists like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Ruth Brown dominated gut-bucket R&B in the 60s, trying to the uptown feel of Motown Records, against the raw southern R&B distributing the Stax label, that had racially mixed musicians down in Muscle Shoals, Alabama....in contrast.

There are many people who are much more informed and eloquent at reviewing products than I am. I will just say that if you are a fan of popular classic Soul & Rock music, or just want to see & hear a truly fascinating, great story, this DVD about the wonderful Mr. Ahmet Ertegun will not disappoint! Mr. Ertegun's love of original American Jazz, combined with his exceptional ear for musical greatness in all forms, led to his transforming Atlantic Records into what was perhaps the greatest record company of all time.The roster of great artists he signed and oversaw at the label is mind-boggling; Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, The Coasters, The Drifters, Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Ben E. King, Cream, Eric Clapton, The Rascals, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and so many others.So much great musical talent, influence & history! In addition, the story is so interestingly told.This DVD should be in every popular music fan's library. Top shelf all the way!

Excellent documentry about the man who started Atlantic Records, can't believe some of the Artists he had on his label at the same time. Fab Stuff..

Atlantic Records - I definately found this to be very informative and very interesting to watch. It would be even better if more documentaries came out on Atco, Reprise and Warner Bros record labels too.... More please more.......!!!!

Very Interesting Story and brought in Perspective Images and Sound...! MUST HAVE for Insiders!!!

No he podido llegar a verlo. El código de región debía de ser " para todas las regiones " y viene con código 1, es decir, sólo para América y Canadá. Debería tener " subtítulos " y tampoco los lleva. Pido un poco de seriedad en lo que respecta a la información sobre el producto. Un saludo.

A great look at the life and career of on of America's greatest record makers. Hard to believe that Atlantic was/is considered an Indie label. A look at the acts that they developed through the years shows that they deserve that name. So many bands and individuals who were given the space to create their own sound within the Atlantic studios.