1. Ray Charles I Got A Woman
2. Big Joe Turner Shake, Rattle and Roll
3. Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
4. Wilson Pickett Mustang Sally
5. Bobby Darin Beyond The Sea
6. Bob Dylan Gotta Serve Somebody
7. Ray Charles What'd I Say
8. LaVern Baker Tweedle Dee
9. Solomon Burke If You Need Me
10. Wilson Pickett In The Midnight Hour
11. George Michael Careless Whisper (Original Version)
12. Dusty Springfield Just A Little Lovin'
Gerald "Jerry" Wexler (January 10, 1917 - August 15, 2008) R.I.P.
At the age of 12, Jerry Wexler was a New York City brat, hanging out at Artie's poolroom on 181st Street in Washington Heights and learning to talk fast and act tough. These traits would serve him well in the recording industry. In 1952 Wexler became a producer at fledgling Atlantic Records, an independent label dedicated to the genre that Wexler himself rechristened "rhythm and blues" in a 1941 Billboard article.
With an intense passion for jazz and soul, Wexler became an expert at distinguishing talent, and during his years at Atlantic, he launched many artists who became world- famous: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, the Clovers, and the Drifters. He also discovered country legend Willie Nelson before the singer moved to CBS Records and stardom. Wexler's enthusiasm and intellectual edge, in fact, provided the support necessary for many artists' best work. Among the plethora of musicians he has promoted are Joe Turner, Wilson Pickett, Patti LaBelle, Cher, Sam and Dave, Dr. John, Doug Sahm, and Etta James.
