In 1935, Turkey’s second ambassador to Washington, Mehmet Munir Ertegun, moved into Everett House. He and his two sons – Ahmet and Nesuhi – had a great love for jazz music. They wanted to experience it with musicians in Washington. Ahmet said in a 2005 interview that when he first arrived in the U.S., jazz […]
In 1935, Turkey’s second ambassador to Washington, Mehmet Munir Ertegun, moved into Everett House. He and his two sons – Ahmet and Nesuhi – had a great love for jazz music. They wanted to experience it with musicians in Washington.
Ahmet said in a 2005 interview that when he first arrived in the U.S., jazz music by black musicians was not easy to find. This was during a period of segregation – laws and customs that blocked blacks from mixing with whites in America. But, over time, he said his family got to know some famous black musicians by seeing their shows at Washington’s Howard Theatre.
The current ambassador says the Ertegun family organized many jazz events and jam sessions at the residence.
Source: Voice of America Link: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/turkish-ambassador-residence-has-deep-jazz-roots/4400492.html
