Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

R.I.P. Jerry Wexler

The man who coined the term rhythm and blues and shepharded the careers of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett has died. One of the prized possessions in my music collection is the box set of Atlantic Rhythm and Blues from 1947-1974. & Much of the music in this set was guided by the ear and business sense of Jerry Wexler. & Wexler was 91 and died of congestive heart failure at his home in Sarasota, Florida. When asked by a documentary filmmaker what he wanted on his tombstone, Jerry Wexler said: & "two words: & more bass." & Love that.

Here's Wilson Pickett performing The Midnight Hour, a song that Wexler

&

Advertisement

&

Fact-based local news is essential

KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.

Without federal funding, community support is our lifeline.
Make a gift to protect the future of KPBS.