ATLANTIC FOUNDER CELEBRATED AS "LIVING LEGEND"

As part of the Library of Congress' (http://www.loc.gov) bicentennial celebration, Atlantic Group Co-Chairman/Co-CEO ahmet ertegun',390,400);">ahmet ertegun',390,400);">Ahmet Ertegun was honored today as a "Living Legend." In order to accept the award, however, Ertegun had to pay over $75 in late fees he owed on a copy of "Hit Men" checked out five years ago.

"The Library of Congress is recognizing a number of Americans whose varied creative contributions to American life have made them living legends," said Librarian of Congress James Billington. "Their professional accomplishments and sense of commitment have enabled them to provide examples of personal excellence that have benefited others and enriched our nation in a variety of ways."

Ertegun founded Atlantic Records over 50 years ago and was an integral part of the seminal soul group Sam & Dave & Ahmet.

Ertegun is one of only 78 Americans chosen for this prestigious honor. Longtime Atlantic recording artist Bobby Short, Gen. Colin Powell and "Sesame Street"'s Big Bird were also among those honored with "Living Legend" medals. Upon receiving his medal, Ertegun walked slowly to the podium, where, sources say, he bumped into several geniuses. Whether those chance encounters, as he once told a young david geffen',390,400);">david geffen',390,400);">David Geffen, would make him rich was still undecided.