I've lived very well all my life, even when I had no money, and there's very little I can't afford. Ahmet Ertegun affordhavelife Change image and share on social
I came close to signing Elvis Presley. I offered $25,000 for his contract and they asked for $45,000 and I just didn't have the other $20,000. Ahmet Ertegun 000askclose Change image and share on social
The songwriters whom we think of being the greatest songwriters usually write one hit and six or seven flops. That includes the Irving Berlins and the Hoagy Carmichaels, the Harold Arlens, Cole Porter. Ahmet Ertegun arlensberlincarmichael share on social
Everyone felt like they knew Ray Charles and in a way they did, because he was embodied by his music. Ahmet Ertegun charleembodyfelt Change image and share on social
I think it's better to burn out than to fade away... it's better to live out your days being very, very active - even if it destroys you - than to quietly... disappear. Ahmet Ertegun activeburnday Change image and share on social
Jesse Stone did more to develop the basic rock-and-roll sound than anybody else. Ahmet Ertegun basicdevelopjesse Change image and share on social
I'd be happy if people said that I did a little bit to raise the dignity and recognition of the greatness of African-American music. Ahmet Ertegun africanamericanbite Change image and share on social
When I first heard Ray Charles, he was a flop artist on a small label in California. He hadn't sold any records. And I bought his contract for $2,500. Ahmet Ertegun artistbuycalifornia Change image and share on social
Fifty years from now, people will still be listening to Led Zeppelin. They won't even remember me. Ahmet Ertegun fiftyleadlisten Change image and share on social
Rock n' roll really belongs to all America. It really doesn't belong to one city. Ahmet Ertegun americabelongcity Change image and share on social
