Jerry Wexler

This audio only interview was conducted by David Schwartz and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Jerry Wexler became a major contributor to the record business in the 1950s and 60s with his work as a producer at Atlantic Records. Many feel it was Jerry who coined the phrase “rhythm and blues” and worked long and hard to record the sounds of soul and R&B over his 50 plus year career. Jerry loved the session players in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and brought many of his top artists to the recording studios there to cut records, many of which became big hits. Among the artists Jerry worked with and developed were Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Pickett. He also worked with rock and folk performers such as Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin, to name only two.