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December 15, 2006
Personal Statement by Ambassador of Hungary on the Passing of Ahmet Ertegun I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of my heroes from the Music World, Ahmet Ertegun. I have had the privilege to discuss with him his personal history, his love for jazz, his road to music, rock and roll, and passion for the part of the world where I come from, Central and Eastern Europe. He took time to discuss the present and future of democratic Turkey, for which he could not hide his devotion. We had plans to work together, to promote the great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, as he was the founder and Chairman of that great institution. Ahmet was interested in my profession, diplomacy, and he was so pleased with my association with the Museum, too. The Residence of the Turkish Ambassador is just down the road on Massachusetts Avenue, a few blocks from mine. That is the place where he started organizing jazz concerts in his free time, when his father was the Ambassador to the United States. That is the place where it all started. Each time I pass by that building I imagine the young Ahmet rearranging the seats for the night's performance of jazz. I can see the beautiful Turkish surrounding as the backdrop to the fascinating music of America in the thirties. I can hear him talking to jazz and rock greats with the authority few command in the field. And I was so proud to tell him that I play in a rock band. He approved of that. Earlier this year he and Mrs. Ertegun were going to come and participate at a dinner in their honor at our home in Washington. It was just fitting that he had to postpone because of a sudden dinner with Eric Clapton. I was proud to know him. I will miss him. András Simonyi Ambassador of Hungary to the U.S.
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