Clarence Avant postures for a picture throughout the 41st NAACP Image honors held at The Shrine Auditorium on Feb. 26, 2010 in Los Angeles. Charley Gallay/Getty Images for NAACP 
Clarence Avant, whose years of trailblazing job as a musician supervisor, advisor, exec as well as document tag proprietor made him the title of “Godfather of Black Music,” passed away Sunday at his residence in Los Angeles. He was 92. “Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come,” his family members claimed in a declaration. “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
As a New York-based supervisor early in his profession, the Greensboro, North Carolina indigenous collaborated with Sarah Vaughan, Freddie Hubbard, Little Willie John, Jimmy Smith as well as manufacturer Creed Taylor, to name a few. He found as well as authorized vocalist Bill Withers, whose advancement solitary, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” won the Grammy Award for finest R&B tune. In the ’70s, Avant established KAGB-FM (Avant Garde Broadcasting), among the very first Black-had radio terminals in the U.S.
He likewise introduced 2 document business, Sussex as well as Tabu, growing lineups that consisted of Withers, Dennis Coffey, the S.O.S. Band, Wadsworth Mansion, The Gallery as well as The Presidents, to name a few.
Avant’s link with the S.O.S. Band stimulated a introduction to arising songwriting/production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Avant played an important function in both’s success (in addition to that of an additional hit-making duo, Reid as well as Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds). He was likewise the marketer of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” trip, Jackson’s very first solo globe trip.
He was called Motown chairman in 1993 as well as 4 years later on ended up being the very first African-American to offer on the International Management Board for PolyGram.
Clarence Avant, Ethiopia Habtemariam as well as Quincy Jones at the Salute to Black Music Awards Gala. Ian Foxx
His fabulous relationship with Quincy Jones covered years, as well as he especially mentored such songs sector stars as Antonio “L.A.” Reid as well as Sony Music Publishing chairman/CEO Jon Platt, to name a few.
“There will never be enough words to express how much Clarence Avant meant to me,” claimed Jones in a declaration. “He was my dearest friend, my brother, my confidant, my mentor, and my counsel for more than 60 years. Clarence always told me the truth in every aspect of my life, even when he knew I didn’t want to hear it…and in this business we all know what a rarity that is. There will never be another like Clarence Avant, and I will miss his presence every day.”
“Clarence’s legacy is etched in the indelible marks he left on the music industry and in his tireless efforts for the rights of us all,” included Reid in a declaration. “Yet, what truly sets him apart was his unwavering compassion and his ability to connect with all people on a personal level. He was the embodiment of sincerity, a rarity in a world often marked by pretense. His absence will leave a void that cannot be easily filled.”
Added Platt, “Clarence was an ally and mentor to me and many others who followed the trail he blazed. As one of the leading architects of the Black entertainment business, he expanded opportunities for executives of color and supported us along our journey. Clarence Avant positively impacted my life the moment he walked into it, filling a void that I did not know existed. Clarence is the closest person to a father that I ever had.”
Avant ran his very own business, Interior Music Group as well as Avant Garde Music, up until they were offered in 2018 to Universal Music Group.
Avant was sworn in right into the Rock as well as Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as well as in 2019, was recognized by the Recording Academy with the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons honor. Over the years he likewise obtained a Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, an NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame Award, a WAGER Honors Entrepreneur Award, as well as induction right into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, the Recording Academy recognized Avant with its Trustees Award. In June of this year, he was feted by the Jazz Foundation of America.
Numerous various other songs sector heavy-hitters commemorated Avant.
“With the passing of Clarence Avant the world has lost an icon, his family has lost their patriarch, and I lost a dear friend,” claimed Berry Gordy in a declaration. “Clarence earned his reputation as the Black Godfather for good reason. People, especially musicians and artists, went to him when they were in trouble and one way or another, he would fix the problem. …Our Black Godfather may be gone – but he will never be forgotten.”
Irving Azoff likewise evaluated in on the loss of Avant on Monday. “We have lost the godfather,” he claimed in a declaration. “The business would look nothing like this if it weren’t for Clarence. He had the biggest heart of any of us despite him trying to hide it! What a great man.”
Involved in the social, political as well as showing off fields, his connections vary from the governmental (Bill Clinton, Barack Obama) to the business (Oprah Winfrey) to the boxing ring (Muhammad Ali, for whom he safeguarded a selection unique on ABC).
“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Clarence Avant, whose legendary career brought artists and their music to millions of people,” claimed Clinton in a social networks blog post. “He also used his success to open doors of opportunity to new generations of entrepreneurs and promoters. He was skillful, savvy, warm, and wise. It was impossible to spend time with him and not come away feeling more positive and wanting to follow his example. We just loved him.”
Avant was the topic of the Netflix docudrama The Black Godfather (2019). The movie narrates Avant’s vivid, barrier-breaking profession as well as sustaining tradition with meetings with a market that’s that. Among those paying homage are Snoop Dogg, Sean “Diddy” Combs, struck songwriter Diane Warren, Lionel Richie, David Geffen, music/film manufacturer Suzanne de Passe, Universal Music Group chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge, starlet Cicely Tyson as well as Jamie Foxx.
Clarence Avant as well as spouse Jackie Avant participate in wager’s Pre-Grammy Brunch at The Four Seasons Hotel on Feb. 12, 2017 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Earl Gibson III
Avant wed Jacqueline Gray in 1967 as well as both relocated from New York to Beverly Hills. Their little girl, Nicole Avant, is a movie manufacturer (consisting of The Black Godfather) as well as previous U.S. Ambassador as well as is wed to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos; Clarence as well as Jacqueline’s boy, Alex Avant, is a skill agent for a significant Los Angeles-based firm. Celebrating his papa’s 90th birthday celebration in 2021, Alex Avant paid homage on social media sites.
“Your generosity is rare and should be studied. Your ability to personally find positive solutions for thousands of people including myself when things look dark is magical,” he composed. “I’ve been exposed to some of the most fascinating experiences life can offer as a kid. Coming from Greensboro North Carolina (Climax) who would have known that you would quietly have your hands in some of the most profound moments in entertainment, politics and sports history.”
In December of 2021, the Avant family members was struck with catastrophe when Jacqueline Avant was fired as well as eliminated throughout a attempted break-in of the pairs’ Beverly Hills residence. The benefactor had actually been servicing developing a facility to assist kids in South Los Angeles, the Jacqueline Avant Children & Family Center, which opened previously this year.
