Jerry Wexler Memorial Concert
Last Friday there was a memorial concert for Jerry Wexler. Being a producer and A&R man, his name isn't really known to anyone who doesn't pore over the small print on album covers and singles labels, but his work includes some of the biggest hits by Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Wilson Pickett, The Drifters, and the album Dusty in Memphis. His biggest, and probably his greatest achievement, are the records by which Aretha Franklin will be remembered. He also signed Led Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers and coined the term "rhythm and blues". Not bad for a guy from Hells Kitchen.
There are two moments from the concert I'd like to share with y'all.
Here's journalist David Ritz riffing out a very humourous portrait of Jerry, which is seemingly improvised on the spot.
Betty Lavette has her own tales of life as one of Jerry's artists, then goes to work on a stellar version of "Drown In My Own Tears". The 'house band' includes Spooner Oldham, Bernard Purdie, The Uptown Horns, Jerry Jermot and Jimmy Johnson.
Comments (2)
i can't believe no one has commented!
jerry wexler was that rare creature.... one who accomplished many things that had HUGE impact on the future and on the culture - only at the time, he was just doing what he felt HAD TO BE DONE.
i had the great pleasure and honor of working with him on my last VH1 Legends project - the aretha franklin legends episosde. jerry sent me his autobiography for background and research.... he introduced me to ahmet ertegun, arif mardin, tom dowd - all his former coworkers whom he also outlived. he introduced me to david ritz, and i'm thrilled to see the video of david here.
wexler's name should be a household word. i'm pleased that there was this tribute concert. his influence will be felt for millenia to come.
Wow..great stuff. He's definitely known in this house. Like Ms.log sez, it would be great if his name was a household word and, in my view, if his spirit were more present in the music we hear.