George Avakian (1919–2017)
Russian native record producer and industry executive known particularly for his production of jazz and popular albums at Columbia Records, Warner Brothers, World Pacific, RCA Victor, Atlantic, and others. At Columbia, he prepared the first regular series of reissues of jazz albums. In 1948, he helped establish the 33 1/3-rpm LP as the primary format for popular music. He also worked at the manager for both Charles Lloyd and Keith Jarret. Recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award from Downbeat Magazine, Europe’s Django d’Or, the French Commandeur des arts et lettres, Trustees Award from the American National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences, and a knighthood from the Knights of Malta.
External Link:
https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/george-avakian
Photo by William P. Gottlieb
Courtesy Library of Congress
Collection items
- Interview, WNYC radio, December 22, 2009
- Download link
- Disc 100
