Jerry Wexler was an influential American music journalist and record producer, widely regarded as one of the major figures in the American music industry from the 1950s through the 1980s. He coined the term "rhythm and blues" while working for Billboard magazine, replacing the earlier "race music" designation. As a partner at Atlantic Records, he was instrumental in signing and producing a string of legendary artists, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Led Zeppelin. His work significantly shaped the sound of soul and rock music, earning him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.