TASCHEN and Atlantic Records proudly announce the release of 75 Years of Atlantic Records, a celebration of one of the most influential record labels in music history. This official and definitive photographic history showcases Atlantic’s monumental impact on global culture, marking a legacy of 75 years of innovation, diversity, and artistic excellence.
As Bruno Mars writes in his foreword to the book, “The Atlantic crew changed the way records were made and how people heard them. It was an explosion in Sound, and it was pure magic.”
Atlantic Records revolutionized the industry by championing a wide range of genres, from R&B, soul, and jazz to rock, pop, and hip-hop. 75 Years of Atlantic Records brings this history to life through stunning imagery and compelling narratives, offering fans an intimate journey into the label’s musical and visual evolution.
Four years in the making, 75 Years of Atlantic Records features:
- Iconic portraits and rare behind-the-scenes photographs of legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Led Zeppelin, and Bruno Mars.
- Unpublished imagery from Atlantic’s extensive archives, showcasing pivotal moments in music history.
- Insightful essays by award-winning writers David Ritz, Ben Ratliff, Barney Hoskyns, and others.
- A foreword by Bruno Mars, celebrating Atlantic’s transformative role in shaping the soundtracks of our lives.
"This book is a testament to the artists, visionaries, and stories that have defined Atlantic Records over the past 75 years," said Benedikt Taschen, founder of TASCHEN. "It’s a celebration of music’s power to transcend boundaries and bring people together."
Founded in New York City by Ahmet Ertegun, Herb Abramson, and Miriam Abramson, Atlantic was launched with a $10,000 loan from Ertegun’s dentist. Nearly eight decades later, it has continued to both reflect and reshape the modern musical landscape. What mattered most to the label’s long-term survival is that it has always been run by true music people – people who not only love the music, but who understand musicians and speak their language. People like Ahmet, other hybrid producer/execs like Jerry Wexler and Ahmet’s brother Nesuhi; and ace producers like Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin, and Joel Dorn. Beginning in 2004, Atlantic enjoyed another run of extraordinary success, led by executives Julie Greenwald and Craig Kallman.
In 2024, the label opened a dynamic new chapter in its storied history with the appointment of Elliot Grainge as its new CEO – carrying on the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been Atlantic’s driving force. Today, the company continues to be inspired by its deep roots, its passion for the music, and a steadfast belief in a culture that always puts the artist first.
75 Years of Atlantic Records will be released on March 30, 2025 as a deluxe hardcover edition with a slipcase, available through TASCHEN.com, specialist retailers, and fine bookstores worldwide.
