San Francisco Frontiers - Clarence Avant, 'Godfather of Black Music,' dies at 92

His children, Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos and Alex Avant, said their father "passed away gently at home" in Los Angeles on Sunday.

"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," the statement said.

"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."

Avant was born on February 25, 1931 in small-town North Carolina, the oldest of eight.

After spending most of his childhood in North Carolina he moved to New Jersey as a teenager, getting his start in the music business as a club manager of Teddy P's Lounge in Newark. He later was mentored by the longtime Louis Armstrong manager Joe Glaser.

He went on to become one of the most revered players in music and beyond, an advocate and mentor who pushed the boundaries for Black entertainers in an industry rife with racism.

Avant helped establish Venture Records, the first joint effort between a Black-owned music company and a major record label, in this case, MGM.

He later launched Sussex records, and signed the likes of Bill Withers.

Avant worked at an array of other labels, produced films and also brokered deals for Black athletes including baseball superstar Hank Aaron.

"He's the perennial godfather of our business," Quincy Jones said in 2006, in an interview with Billboard. "Everyone in our business has been by Clarence's desk, if they’re smart."

- 'True pioneer' -

Avant also consulted at Motown, and worked with other top producers including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as well as Babyface.

He's been credited with burnishing the careers of countless artists, including Jones as well as Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg and Whitney Houston.

"Clarence Avant connects us all through his incredible impact since before I was born up until now. He's the godfather to so many of us -- and not just African Americans, most of the industry," Pharrell said in a statement in 2019, ahead of the release of the Netflix documentary "The Black Godfather."

In 2021 Avant's wife Jacqueline was fatally shot at age 81, during a break-in of the couple's Beverly Hills home.

Earlier that year Avant received special accolades from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Recording Academy has also bestowed a number of honors on him and in 2007 he received the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP.

Upon news of his death tributes began pouring out for Avant, including from Jay-Z's company Roc Nation.

"Clarence Avant isn't just the "Godfather Of Black Music," he is our cultural Godfather," a statement from Roc Nation read.

"Throughout his life, he burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations. A true pioneer, a mentor and a champion, Clarence Avant is and always will be a giant among us."

J.Peterson--SFF