Gerald "Jerry" Wexler (born 10 January 1917) is a music journalist turned highly influential music producer, and is regarded as one of the major record industry players behind 1960s soul music. He was born in the Bronx, New York City, into an Orthodox Jewish family.

Career

---

Wexler served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he attended Kansas State University (where he had also been from 1936, but as a student with a desultory interest), and following graduation went to work for BMI and the publishing division of MGM. He became a partner in Atlantic Records in 1953. There followed classic recordings with Ray Charles, the Drifters and Ruth Brown. With Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun he built up Atlantic Records into a major force. In 1967 he was named Record Executive of the Year for turning Aretha Franklin's career around.

In the 1960s he notably recorded Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin, cultivated a tight relationship with Stax Records, and founded the fortunes of the Muscle Shoals studio and rhythm section. His work in this decade put Atlantic at the forefront of soul music.

In the early 1980s, Wexler would record with UK popstar George Michael. The most famous outtake of these sessions would prove to be a rare early version of "Careless Whisper". The version was originally released as "Special Mix" on an early pressing of the single's 12".

He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

References

---