Sun | Jan 12, 2025

‘Black Godfather’ Clarence Avant has died

Published:Tuesday | August 15, 2023 | 12:07 AM
Legendary music executive Clarence Avant and his wife philanthropist Jacqueline Avant. Two years ago, Jacqueline was fatally shot, age 81, during a robbery at their home in Beverly Hills, California. Clarence, who was affectionately known as the ‘Black G
AP
Legendary music executive Clarence Avant and his wife philanthropist Jacqueline Avant. Two years ago, Jacqueline was fatally shot, age 81, during a robbery at their home in Beverly Hills, California. Clarence, who was affectionately known as the ‘Black Godfather’ for his work in the entertainment, sport, and political worlds, passed away at home in Los Angeles on Sunday at the age of 92.

Clarence Avant has died.

The legendary producer, who was affectionately known as the ‘Black Godfather’ for his work in the entertainment, sport, and political worlds, passed away at home in Los Angeles on Sunday at the age of 92, his family has confirmed.

His children, Nicole and Alexander, and son-in-law Ted Sarando announced in a statement: “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.”

Avant, who began his career as a nightclub manager, introduced the likes of Bill Withers, Sixto Rodriguez and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to the world through his record labels, and helped broker the sale of the legendary Stax Records.

In the 1990s, he became chairman of the board at Motown Records and later was PolyGram’s first African-American board member.

He also served as an adviser, both officially and unofficially, to four US presidents, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama, and was a mentor to a string of key figures in the music world, including LA Reid, Babyface and Jimmy Iovine.

He was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, and will be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 7.

The Motown fixture’s life and legacy was chronicled by his son-in-law Sarandos’ streaming service in 2019, in a documentary titled T he Black Godfather.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame described Avant as ‘cool, savvy, confident, and fearless – someone who makes the impossible possible’.

Two years ago, Avant’s wife Jacqueline was fatally shot, age 81, during a robbery at their home in Beverly Hills, California.