In addition to being a seminal figure in the history of popular music , Ertegun was also a prominent philanthropist dedicated to enhancing relations and cultural understanding between the United States and his native country , Turkey . As the chairman of The American Turkish Society , he introduced numerous American dignitaries , business leaders , investors , and artists to Turkey and garnered U.S. support for Turkey . Following the devastating earthquake near Istanbul in 1999 , Ertegun was instrumental in the success of the Society 's Earthquake Relief Fund , which raised over $ 4 million for Turkey 's rebuilding efforts , particularly in education . Ertegun also encouraged the Society 's education and arts and culture programs and made possible countless gatherings with prominent government and business leaders including Henry Kissinger , Turgut Ozal , William Clay Ford , and Rahmi Mustafa Koç
devastating earthquake
1999 İzmit earthquake
Ahmet Ertegun