LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Clarence Avant, the music industry legend who was known as the ‘Black Godfather’ died on August 14 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 92 years old.
The former head of Motown has worked with many famous celebrities. The list includes big names like Bill Withers and Michael Jackson. His death comes 20 months after his wife Jacqueline was killed by an intruder.
How did Clarence Avant die?
"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," said the family as per BBC.
"The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss," the statement added. However, no cause of death was shared.
He is dubbed as the 'Black Godfather' after a Netflix documentary that follows his life. Avant was born in Climax, North Carolina, on February 25, 1931, and moved to Newark, New Jersey, as a teenager.
A former nightclub manager, he became a music executive after soul singer Little Willie John and industry veteran Joe Glaser hired him.
Joe Glaser mentored Clarence and gave him clients like Lalo Schifrin
Glaser mentored him and gave him clients like Lalo Schifrin. He told Variety in 2016, "Joe Glaser taught me [to] aim high, You can't walk up the Empire State Building - you'll get tired, your knees might give out.
"But you can ride the elevator and walk down. You always aim up here, and walk down later if you have to," he further said before adding “I just do things. I just like to take shots.”
Avant was a master dealmaker across the realms of film, music, and politics. He got Muhammad Ali a TV special on ABC News and a huge endorsement deal for Hank Aaron, who faced racism as he chased Babe Ruth’s home run record.
Aaron said in 'The Black Godfather': “Without Clarence Avant, there is no Hank Aaron."
Clarence Avant helped broker the sale of the legendary Stax Records in 1960
He helped with the sale of the legendary Stax Records back in the late ’1960s. After three decades he became chairman of the board of Motown Records. Later first African-American board member at PolyGram as per Variety.
He launched one of the first fully black-owned radio stations. He also served as an advisor, official and otherwise, to Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama.
He wed Jacqueline Gray in 1967 and they had two children: Nicole, a former US envoy and Netflix Co-CEO’s wife, and Alex, a LA-based agent and actor. Sadly, Jacqueline died at 81 when an intruder shot her during a burglary attempt.
He founded Tabu Records in the '80s and released hits by the SOS Band, Alexander O’Neil and Cherrelle.
Clarence Avant also mentored Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
He also mentored Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and helped them produce Janet Jackson’s ‘Control’ album3. He advised LA. Reid and Babyface on LaFace Records3. He promoted Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ tour in 1988.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he was honored with the Industry Icon Award at the Grammys.
Avant’s “advice per word is worth more than anyone I ever dealt with.” Bill Clinton, one of the five presidents he advised, said in 'Black Godfather' as reported by Daily News.
In the same documentary, Barack Obama talked about Avant's understanding, of "the power that comes from being behind the scenes.” “Everyone in this business has been by Clarence’s desk if they’re smart,” Music producer Quincy Jones said.
