Ahmet Ertegun

Ahmet Ertegun, who helped define American music as the founder of Atlantic Records, a label that popularized the gritty R&B of Ray Charles and the classic soul of Aretha Franklin died Thursday, according to CNN. He was 83.

Ertegun, a Turkish ambassador's son, remained connected to the music scene until his last days. As reported previously (Atlantic Records Founder In Critical Condition), the music legend sustained a severe brain injury after a fall at an October 29 concert by the Rolling Stones. He later slipped into a coma.

"He was in a coma and expired today with his family at his bedside," said Dr. Howard A. Riina, Ertegun's neurosurgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, reports CNN.

Ertegun will be buried in a private ceremony in his native Turkey, said Bob Kaus, a spokesman for Ertegun and Atlantic Records. A memorial service will be conducted in New York after New Year's.