The Last Sultan

The Life and Times of Ahmet Ertegun

By: Robert Greenfield

Narrated by: Robert Fass

The definitive biography of the king of the rock 'n' roll business, Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records.

©2011 Schoolyard Productions, Inc. (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A vivid saga of the an industry in its salad days, and of the unholy but fertile union of money and music." ( Publishers Weekly)

totally engrossing

I finished this book in one day. Ahmet Ertegun is certainly not flawless, but I could not wait to see what happened next. This book borders on history as it relates the story of Ahmet's family in the early years. I knew that his father was in the diplomatic service, but not how principled his father was, nor that his father was the Turkish ambassador to the US for ten years, including most of WW II. I was enthralled by Greenfield's pointing out the dichotomies Turkish heritage and early life versus growing up in the States. And the dichotomy of being waited on by servants, and yet Ertegun's love of Afro-American music. Ertegun seemed more than comfortable in both worlds, but while he was probably the most liberal record man of his times, Ahmet did grow up in different times that had a different sense of values. Greenfield did a great job of showing Ahmet changed with the times, but still had a ninner core that remained the same.The record biz changed and grew, then failed to keep up with technological changes - but Ertegun had a great, discerning pair of ears to the end.
This book is a superb chronicle of Ertegun's life and the changes that happened while he was alive. The narrator, Robert Fass, does not impinge on the story, instead allowing the words to speak for themselves.

FANTASTIC STORY OF A RECORD PIONEER.

If you could sum up The Last Sultan in three words, what would they be?

INSPIRATIONAL-INSITEFUL-HISTORIC

What did you like best about this story?

THE ASPECT THAT THIS MAN THE CONSUMATE DEAL MAKER. WITH PANACHE, COURAGE, AND A FORWARD VIEW. ADDING A FAIRNESS TO AN INDUSTRY THAT IS RIFE WITH SWIDLERS.

Which character – as performed by Robert Fass – was your favorite?

NONE. HIS AFFECTATION WHERE SILLY.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"THE MAN WHO MADE OUR MUSIC."

Any additional comments?

THE CONSUMATE BOOK ON THE MUSIC AND INDUSTRY THAT PRODUCED THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY GENERATION.

A Man More Than Fascinating

Greenfield takes you on an amazing journey through the life of a music business legend. Ertegun discovered Ray Charles, Aretha, CS&N, Led Zep and so many more. You feel as if you are at clubs, concerts, and meetings with so many musical heavies. The stories told are amazing.

What a great listen

Nothing but praise for this book SO well done. Fascinating stories woven together so nicely. thank you

Great book for Baby Boomers

If you could sum up The Last Sultan in three words, what would they be?

Great music, musicians

What other book might you compare The Last Sultan to and why?

LIFE, by Keirth Richards. Both books are about the music that shaped many of our lives. Both books describe the energy of the music industry, and tell detailed, specific background stories about the music and musicians we know and love. The subject of the book led a charmed life, and charmed people along the way.