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Charley Gallay/Getty Pictures for NAACP
Clarence Avant, whose many years of trailblazing work as an artist supervisor, mentor, government and file label proprietor earned him the title of “Godfather of Black Music,” died Sunday at his residence in Los Angeles. He was 92. “Clarence leaves behind a loving household and a sea of buddies and associates which have modified the world and can proceed to vary the world for generations to come back,” his household mentioned in a press release. “The enjoyment of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
As a New York-based supervisor early on in his profession, the Greensboro, North Carolina native labored with Sarah Vaughan, Freddie Hubbard, Little Willie John, Jimmy Smith and producer Creed Taylor, amongst others. He went on to dealer the sale of Stax Data within the Sixties and notably found and signed “Ain’t No Sunshine” singer Invoice Withers. Within the ’70s, Avant based KAGB-FM (Avant Garde Broadcasting), one of many first Black-owned radio stations within the U.S.
He additionally launched two file firms, Sussex and Tabu, cultivating rosters that included Withers, Dennis Coffey, the S.O.S. Band, Wadsworth Mansion, The Gallery and The Presidents.
Avant’s reference to the S.O.S. Band sparked a introduction to rising songwriting/manufacturing duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Avant performed an instrumental function within the pair’s success (in addition to that of one other hit-making duo, Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds). He was additionally the promoter of Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous” tour, Jackson’s first ever solo world tour.
He was named Motown chairman in 1993 and 4 years later turned the primary African-American to serve on the Worldwide Administration Board for PolyGram.
Clarence Avant, Ethiopia Habtemariam and Quincy Jones on the Salute to Black Music Awards Gala.
Ian Foxx
His legendary friendship with Quincy Jones spanned many years, and he notably mentored such music trade luminaries as Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Sony/ATV chairman/CEO Jon Platt, amongst others.
“Clarence’s legacy is etched within the indelible marks he left on the music trade and in his tireless efforts for the rights of us all,” mentioned Reid in a press release. “But, what actually units him aside was his unwavering compassion and his skill to attach with all individuals on a private stage. He was the embodiment of sincerity, a rarity in a world typically marked by pretense. His absence will depart a void that can not be simply crammed.”
Fellow trade icon Clive Davis added that Avant’s “extraordinary contribution to music and the boundaries he broke all through his profession are unmatched. He was the mentor to all Black executives within the music trade for many years, offering invaluable steerage and assist whereas all the time standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and truthful and impressed love and respect from all who knew him. I personally cherished him and can miss him endlessly.”
Avant ran his Inside Music Group and Avant Garde Music publishing firms till they had been offered in 2018 to Common Music Group.
Avant was inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 2021 and in 2019, was honored by the Recording Academy with the Grammy Salute to Business Icons award. Over the many years he additionally acquired a Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, an NAACP Picture Awards Corridor Of Fame Award, a BET Honors Entrepreneur Award, and induction into the Hollywood Stroll of Fame. In 2008, the Recording Academy honored Avant with its Trustees Award. In June of this 12 months, he was feted by the Jazz Basis of America.
Concerned within the social, political and sporting arenas, his relationships vary from the presidential (Invoice Clinton, Barack Obama) to the entrepreneurial (Oprah Winfrey) to the boxing ring (Muhammad Ali, for whom he secured a range particular on ABC).
“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our buddy Clarence Avant, whose legendary profession introduced artists and their music to thousands and thousands of individuals,” mentioned Clinton in a social media publish. “He additionally used his success to open doorways of alternative to new generations of entrepreneurs and promoters. He was skillful, savvy, heat, and smart. It was inconceivable to spend time with him and never come away feeling extra optimistic and desirous to observe his instance. We simply cherished him.”
Avant was the topic of the Netflix documentary The Black Godfather (2019). The movie chronicles Avant’s colourful, barrier-breaking profession and enduring legacy by way of interviews with an trade who’s who. Amongst these paying tribute are Snoop Dogg, Sean “Diddy” Combs, hit songwriter Diane Warren, Lionel Richie, David Geffen, music/movie producer Suzanne de Passe, Common Music Group chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge, actress Cicely Tyson and Jamie Foxx.
Clarence Avant and spouse Jackie Avant attend BET’s Pre-Grammy Brunch at The 4 Seasons Lodge on Feb. 12, 2017 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Earl Gibson III
Avant married Jacqueline Grey in 1967 and the pair moved from New York to Beverly Hills. Their daughter, Nicole Avant, is a movie producer (together with The Black Godfather) and former U.S. Ambassador and is married to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos; Clarence and Jacqueline’s son, Alex Avant, is a expertise consultant for a significant Los Angeles-based company. Celebrating his dad’s ninetieth birthday in 2021, Alex Avant paid tribute on social media.
“Your generosity is uncommon and needs to be studied. Your skill to personally discover optimistic options for hundreds of individuals together with myself when issues look darkish is magical,” he wrote. “I’ve been uncovered to a few of the most fascinating experiences life can provide as a child. Coming from Greensboro North Carolina (Climax) who would have recognized that you’d quietly have your fingers in a few of the most profound moments in leisure, politics and sports activities historical past.”
In December of 2021, the Avant household was hit with tragedy when Jacqueline Avant was shot and killed throughout a tried housebreaking of the {couples}’ Beverly Hills residence. The philanthropist had been engaged on constructing a middle to assist kids in South Los Angeles, the Jacqueline Avant Kids & Household Middle, which opened earlier this 12 months.