Record producer Jerry Wexler has died of congestive heart failure at the age of 91. He has been the record producer for performers such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. Jim Henke, VP and chief curator for the Hall of Fame commenting on Wexler said that he played a major role in bringing black music to the masses. He had worked with legends like Bob Dylan, and Carlos Santana.

 

Continuing his statement he added that in the evolution of rhythm and blues to soul music, Wexler’s role was important. Interestingly, in the 1950s and 1960s Wexler had worked largely with black artists. In those days all black musicians were developing a new style which later on became popular as soul music. He recorded for legends like Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits and George Michael.

 

Memphis musician and producer Jim Dickinson in the year 2000 had commented that Wexler was cutting records as if they were short stories. Also, according to him Wexler brought a depth of literature to a music that was basically treated as if it was primitive. Wexler was the eldest of two sons, and played in the streets of great Washington Heights, Manhattan.