The story of Ahmet Ertegun is an American story and a Turkish story. It is an immigrant's story, written in jazz, rhythm, blues, and rock and roll! As our Founder says, it was the birth child of “a Muslim working with a Jew, to bring the Gospel music of the blacks to white America.” It allowed people of color to dance together, and to foster greater racial understanding. It is a mission and a message. When we dance, we talk. When we begin to talk, we learn to not hate.

Ahmet Ertegun, son of a Turkish diplomat, fell in love with American jazz at a young age with his elder brother, and co-founded America’s premier independent record company, Atlantic Records, in 1947. His life and career were defined by imagination, tolerance, acceptance and a singular ability for embracing cultural roots and diversity. A man of limitless energy and style; loved by hundreds of artists.

Ahmet’s House will hold a live music venue, recording facility, interactive and engaging archive museum, teaching space and community gathering spot. It will also become the new broadcast home of Ahmet’s House radio, which will allow live interactions with Ahmet’s House patrons! A true cultural Athenium!

Ahmet’s House, through celebrating and promoting cultural and musical heritages, will play an integral role in maintaining and enhancing the social and economic vibrancy of its various locations. Warm and welcoming. A place of permanence to honor Mr. Ertegun and his legacy, and the careers of music’s most respected alumni on both sides of the microphone. An eternal gift to the world of music. “Excellence, elegance, permanence...Ahmet’s House.” This “Key Statement” drives everything we do!