New York indie label founded in the 40's by the Ertegun brothers, jazz/blues fans from Turkey. Birthed the rock and roll era via its rhythm and blues artists, like Big Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, The Coasters, and The Drifters. Revitalized the stalled young careers of Ray Charles, Ornette Coleman, and Aretha Franklin. Became big enough, by 60's end, to sign Led Zeppelin. In the 70's, via M'n'A, became, along with fellow indie Elektra, part of Warner.