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The ‘Godfather of Black Music’ Clarence Avant
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
The ‘Godfather of Black Music’ Clarence Avant has died at the age 92 – nearly two years after his wife was shot and killed by an intruder during a home invasion.
Avant – who was a legendary Grammy-winning executive, concert promoter, and manager – died peacefully at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, his family announced.
His children said that the ‘joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.’
Throughout his stellar music executive career, he helped artists including Bill Withers, Jay-Z, Whitney Houston, Little Willie John, L.A. Reid, Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – and chaired the legendary Motown Records in the 1990s.
In a statement announcing his death, the Avant Sarandos family said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant.
‘Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports.
‘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.
‘The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.
‘Clarence passed away gently at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 13, 2023.’
The Motown fixture’s life and legacy was chronicled by his son-in-law Sarandos’ streaming service in 2019, in a documentary titled The Black Godfather.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame described Avant as ‘cool, savvy, confident, and fearless – someone who makes the impossible possible.
‘He’s served a variety of roles during his illustrious career, including manager, label owner, concert organizer, event producer, political fundraiser, and mentor.
‘Avant’s career began in the 1950s when he served as the manager for Little Willie John and jazz organist Jimmy Smith.
‘In late 1969, he launched Sussex Records, a label that soon achieved a Top Ten hit with Dennis Coffey’s Scorpio.
‘The most notable artist in Sussex was Bill Withers, who released his first three records for the label, featuring the hits Aren’t No Sunshine, Lean on Me, and Use Me.
‘In 1971, Avant launched Avant Garde Broadcasting, one of the first Black-owned radio stations in the country.’
The storied exec was also an accomplished producer and actor – known for Deliver Us from Evil in 1975, The Color Purple in 1985 and Jason’s Lyric in 1994.
And Avant also dabbled in the political world – serving as official and unofficial advisors to Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama.
Clarence with his daughter, Nicole, 55, who is married to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. Nicole was ambassador to The Bahamas, appointed by then-president Barack Obama in 2009.
