"As I grew up, I began to discover a little bit about the situation of black people in America and experienced an immediate empathy with the victims of such senseless discrimination. Because although the Turks were never slaves, they were regarded as enemies within Europe because of their Muslim beliefs."
Ahmet Ertegun was a Turkish-American record executive, songwriter, and co-founder of Atlantic Records. He helped shape modern rhythm and blues and popular music through artist development and production. He was also active as a philanthropist and cultural patron.