R.I.P. Jerry Wexler: 1917-2008

Jerry Wexler, the music business pioneer, eloquent tastemaker, guiding force behind the great classic Atlantic Records R&B sound, and person who I most often fantasized about being my alternate universe grandfather left us today. Several years ago, though, he passed around a mix CD of the songs from his career that made him most proud. Listen to that playlist below to understand the quality of talent this man shepherded and how they together changed the landscape of modern music.

-- Jeff Reguilon

[Hat tip to Rolling Stone via Idolator]