Tribute to Ahmet Ertegun by Neil Young

From Rolling Stone, Neil Young's tribute to Ahmet Ertegun:

"When Ahmet Ertegun first came to hear Buffalo Springfield, he immediately started helping us to make our music. He was parental -- a cool guy, musically savvy and talking our language, but not threatening or overbearing.

I decided, after the Springfield broke up, that it wasn't a good idea for Stephen [Stills] and me to be on the same label. I told Ahmet. I said, "I love Atlantic, but I don't want to compete with Stephen. I want a fresh start." He totally understood. He said, "It's always sad to have to part ways. But you can call me if you need anything. I'll give you advice. And if you ever want to come back, give me a call." There was absolutely none of the bullshit that you would expect.

When Stephen asked me to join Crosby, Stills and Nash, I didn't know it was Ahmet who was behind it. One of the things he liked about the Springfield was Stephen and me -- what happened when we played guitars together. Even though we fought like brothers, we played like brothers, and Ahmet saw that we could keep on going. To Ahmet, that was a no-brainer.

The last time I saw Ahmet, we just sat and talked. He was a regular guy. He happened to also be one of the most powerful guys in the music business. But he had no use for wielding the power. The only time he ever used his power was with other executives. He didn't use it on the musicians. And it's suitable that his last conscious moments were at a concert. Because that's the way he lived. He went to a show. And the encore was heaven. "

Also, see IN MEMORIAM: AHMET ERTEGUN 1923-2006.

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