Births on January 10

Jerry Wexler, American journalist and producer (d. 2008)

Gerald "Jerry" Wexler: A Luminary in Music Production and the Architect of Rhythm and Blues

Gerald "Jerry" Wexler (January 10, 1917 – August 15, 2008) stands as a towering figure in the annals of American popular music. Transitioning from a perceptive music journalist to an iconic record producer and influential executive, Wexler was one of the foremost architects behind the soundscapes of the 1950s through the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark across multiple genres.

Defining a Genre: The Birth of "Rhythm and Blues"

Wexler's profound impact began even before his full immersion into production. During his tenure at Billboard Magazine, where he worked from 1949 to 1953, he famously coined the term "rhythm and blues." This significant linguistic shift replaced the antiquated and racially charged "race records" category, a progressive move that not only reclassified a burgeoning musical genre but also elevated its perception and marketability, laying foundational groundwork for its widespread acceptance and eventual crossover success.

The Atlantic Records Era: Cultivating Iconic Sounds

His most prolific and transformative period unfolded at Atlantic Records, where he joined as a partner in 1953 and remained a pivotal force until 1975. At Atlantic, working alongside industry titans Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, and often collaborating with legendary engineer Tom Dowd, Wexler developed a reputation for his extraordinary ear for talent and his ability to coax career-defining performances from artists. He possessed a unique talent for blending blues, gospel, and soul influences into a cohesive, commercially potent sound, often leveraging the raw, authentic atmosphere of Southern studios like FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama.

A Midas Touch for Musical Greats

Wexler's impressive roster of artists reads like a who's who of music legends. His hands-on approach and keen musical instincts helped shape the careers and sound of numerous acclaimed performers:

• Ray Charles: Wexler produced seminal hits that cemented Charles's status as a pioneer of soul music, blending R&B with gospel fervor.
• Aretha Franklin: Perhaps his most celebrated collaboration, Wexler was instrumental in guiding Franklin to her peak as the "Queen of Soul." Their work together at Muscle Shoals resulted in groundbreaking albums like "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" and the critically acclaimed Lady Soul, which showcased her unparalleled vocal power and emotional depth.
• Wilson Pickett: He helmed many of Pickett's electrifying R&B and soul hits, including classics like "In the Midnight Hour," often recorded with the tight, funky rhythm sections of Muscle Shoals.
• Dusty Springfield: Wexler produced her landmark album Dusty in Memphis, widely regarded as a masterpiece that elegantly fused pop and soul.
• The Allman Brothers Band: He helped bring their unique blend of blues, rock, and country to a wider audience, contributing to the rise of Southern rock.
• Led Zeppelin: While not producing their albums, Wexler played a crucial role in securing their initial US distribution deal with Atlantic Records, a pivotal step in their global domination.
• Bob Dylan: Demonstrating his versatility, Wexler produced Dylan's Grammy Award-winning gospel albums, Slow Train Coming (1979) and Saved (1980), which marked a distinct, unexpected, and successful phase in Dylan's illustrious career.
• Chris Connor: Wexler also worked with jazz vocalists like Chris Connor, showcasing his broad musical appreciation.
• Dire Straits: He produced their second album, Communique (1979), a significant follow-up to their debut, further cementing their unique sound.

Enduring Legacy and Accolades

Jerry Wexler's legacy extends far beyond a list of hit records; he was a cultural connector who understood the raw power of American music and possessed the rare ability to translate that authenticity into commercial success. His intuitive ear for talent, combined with his unwavering commitment to artistic integrity, profoundly influenced the trajectory of rock, pop, soul, and R&B. His unparalleled contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors:

• He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, an acknowledgment of his foundational role in rock and popular music.
• In 2017, he received posthumous induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, further solidifying his status as a titan of the genre he helped name.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jerry Wexler

Who was Jerry Wexler?

Jerry Wexler was an influential American music journalist, record producer, and record executive who played a key role in the development of popular music from the 1950s through the 1980s, primarily known for his work at Atlantic Records.

What significant term did Jerry Wexler coin?

Jerry Wexler famously coined the term "rhythm and blues" in 1949 while working at Billboard Magazine, replacing the previous, less appropriate term "race records."

Which famous artists did Jerry Wexler produce or sign?

Wexler worked with a vast array of legendary artists, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, The Allman Brothers Band, Bob Dylan (on his gospel albums), Chris Connor, and he was instrumental in signing Led Zeppelin to Atlantic Records for US distribution. He also produced Dire Straits' second album, Communique.

What was Jerry Wexler's primary role at Atlantic Records?

Jerry Wexler was a partner and a pivotal record producer at Atlantic Records from 1953 to 1975, where he was responsible for signing and producing many of the label's most successful R&B and soul artists, expanding the label's reach into rock and pop.

When was Jerry Wexler inducted into music halls of fame?

Jerry Wexler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and posthumously into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017, recognizing his immense contributions to music.