The Last Sultan

The Life and Times of Ahmet Ertegun

By: Robert Greenfield

Narrated by: Robert Fass

Length: 13 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Great Story about a great story teller

Where does The Last Sultan rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

If Bill Graham was the father of concerts, Ahmet was of the record business. Both were great story tellers who both loved their artists and love the business which they created. I loved every second of this book as well as the book about Mr. Wexler. Together these two bookends did what MOrris Levy never could and more. God bless you Ahmet, Jerry and of course Miriam.

Loved this book!!!

Such a great book. You really get to know Ahmet well listening to this book.

Entertaining look at a true one of a kind man.

In a business full of larger than life characters, Ahmet Ertegun stands out. Born into the high life, he gravitated towards dives and juke joints. Equally comfortable with the highest of high society and the backest of backwoods, Ertegun's life was a pretty pretty colorful one. Along the way, he co-founded Atlantic records, and introduced the world to many important musical acts, helping to build an impressive legacy in the music industry.

As someone who is fascinated with the music business, this is a priceless story. Ertegun's lengthy and amazing career showed him able to navigate the boardrooms that came to dominate the business and still maintain his reputation as an artist's best friend. There will never be another like him, that much is for sure.

The Last Sultan does a pretty good job of telling this story and I learned quite a bit I hadn't heard before. One thing I really appreciated was that Greenfield choose to focus more on the business side of things rather than devolve into a tabloid tell all. Considering how much Ahmet loved the fast life (and sex, drugs and rock and roll) it's pretty impressive that he steered this direction.

I'd highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the music business.

This book was phenomenal! A must read biography!

This book was phenomenal. it did such a wonderful job of highlighting the luminary life of an extraordinary man pioneer to such diverse tastes of music and culture. Whether you are a music lover, aspiring artist, or someone who enjoys a great autobiography, I highly recommend this book, for it is well written, well storied and provides a rare behind the scenes glimpse in the last 75 years music, culture and history that transcends one artist, genre of music but truly touches a wider tapestry of culture.

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.

Could also be called The Real King of Rock

Amazing chronicle of a man who's love for American roots music fueled the movement we now know as rock and roll. Ertegun began as a collector of jazz and blues records to become one of the most influencial people in the record industry. Discovering acts like Ray Charles, Buffalo Springfield, Sonny & Cher and Led Zeppelin to name a few. As well as producers Phil Spector, David Geffin Tom Dowd and list just keeps going. Ahmet Ertegun seemed to be in the vicinity of just about every important event in popular music for over 50 years.