A young boy builds a "planetary probe" with his new Erector Set, 1963.

Ahmet Ertegun is the foremost music entrepreneur of the rock 'n' roll age. He and partner Herb Abramson founded Atlantic Records in 1947 on a loan of $10,000. Under Ertegun's guidance, Atlantic Records was a key force in the introduction of rhythm and blues (R&B) and rock 'n' roll into the American mainstream. Atlantic has since become one of the top labels in the world. Ertegun's impact extends well beyond Atlantic Records. His astute guidance helped shape the career of dozens of other top music executives, among them mega-mogul David Geffen. Ertegun is also a founding member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and served as its chairman. He was inducted into the hall in 1987 and the museum's main exhibition hall bears his name. Interestingly, Ertegun was also instrumental in bringing...