ready to say goodbye to a true legend in the music industry. Clarence Avant, known as the “Godfather of Black Music,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 92. His family released a statement saying, “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’s career was nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a manager in New York, he worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Sarah Vaughan, Freddie Hubbard, and Bill Withers. He also brokered the sale of Stax Records and founded two record companies, Sussex and Tabu. Avant’s influence extended beyond just the music industry. He played a crucial role in the success of songwriting/production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and was the promoter of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” tour.
His impact on the industry was recognized by his peers. L.A. Reid, a music industry luminary, said, “Clarence’s legacy is etched in the indelible marks he left on the music industry and in his tireless efforts for the rights of us all. Yet, what truly sets him apart was his unwavering compassion and his ability to connect with all people on a personal level. He was the embodiment of sincerity, a rarity in a world often marked by pretense. His absence will leave a void that cannot be easily filled.”
Clive Davis, another industry icon, praised Avant’s contribution to music and the barriers he broke throughout his career. He said, “He was the mentor to all Black executives in the music industry for decades, providing invaluable guidance and support while always standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and fair and inspired love and respect from all who knew him. I personally loved him and will miss him forever.”
Avant’s achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and received the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons award in 2019. He also received a Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, an NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame Award, a BET Honors Entrepreneur Award, and induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His impact extended beyond the music industry, as he was involved in social, political, and sporting arenas, counting Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Muhammad Ali among his friends.
Avant’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His son, Alex Avant, paid tribute to his father on social media, saying, “Your generosity is rare and should be studied. Your ability to personally find positive solutions for thousands of people including myself when things look dark is magical. Coming from Greensboro, North Carolina, who would have known that you would quietly have your hands in some of the most profound moments in entertainment, politics, and sports history.”
While we mourn the loss of Clarence Avant, we can take solace in the fact that his legacy will live on. His impact on the music industry and beyond is immeasurable, and his influence will continue to shape the world for generations to come. As his family said, “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”Clarence Avant, the influential figure known as the “Godfather of Black Music,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 92. Avant’s family released a statement expressing their sorrow at his loss but also highlighting the joy of his legacy. They described him as leaving behind a loving family and a vast network of friends and associates who have changed the world and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Avant’s career in the music industry was marked by trailblazing achievements. He began as a manager in New York, working with notable artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Freddie Hubbard, and Bill Withers. He also brokered the sale of Stax Records and founded one of the first Black-owned radio stations in the US, KAGB-FM.
Avant’s impact extended beyond artist management and record labels. He played a crucial role in the success of songwriting and production duos like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. He even served as the promoter for Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking “Bad” tour.
Throughout his career, Avant mentored and inspired numerous industry luminaries, including Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Sony/ATV chairman/CEO Jon Platt. His compassion and ability to connect with people on a personal level set him apart. Colleagues and friends praised his unwavering support for equal rights and his contributions to breaking barriers in the music industry.
Avant’s achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and received the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons award in 2019. He also received a Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, an NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame Award, a BET Honors Entrepreneur Award, and induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Beyond the music industry, Avant had connections in various spheres, including politics, entrepreneurship, and sports. He counted Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Muhammad Ali among his friends. Avant’s impact was not limited to his professional life. He was known for his generosity and ability to find positive solutions for those in need.
Avant’s legacy will continue through his family, including his daughter Nicole Avant, a film producer and former US Ambassador, and his son Alex Avant, a talent representative. The Avant family faced tragedy in 2021 when Jacqueline Avant, Clarence’s wife, was fatally shot during an attempted burglary. Despite this devastating loss, Jacqueline’s philanthropic work lives on through the Jacqueline Avant Children & Family Center, a center she was building to help children in South Los Angeles.
Clarence Avant’s influence on the music industry and his commitment to equality and mentorship will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists, executives, and changemakers.
What were some of the notable achievements and awards that Clarence Avant received throughout his career, both within and outside of the music industry
Oundbreaking “Bad” tour.
His contributions to the music industry were widely recognized and admired. L.A. Reid, a prominent figure in the industry, spoke highly of Avant’s legacy, describing him as someone who left an indelible mark on the industry and fought tirelessly for the rights of all. Reid also emphasized Avant’s genuine compassion and ability to connect with people on a personal level, qualities that set him apart in a world often characterized by pretense.
Clive Davis, another esteemed icon in the industry, praised Avant’s impact on music and his dedication to breaking down barriers. Davis acknowledged Avant’s role as a mentor to Black executives, providing invaluable guidance and support while advocating for equal rights. Davis expressed his deep admiration and love for Avant, vowing to miss him forever.
Avant’s achievements were recognized with numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and received the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons award in 2019. Additionally, he was honored with the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame Award, BET Honors Entrepreneur Award, and induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Avant’s impact and influence extended beyond the music industry as well. He had friendships with notable figures in politics, entertainment, and sports, including Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Muhammad Ali.
Avant’s son, Alex Avant, expressed his admiration and gratitude for his father’s incredible generosity and ability to find positive solutions even in dark times. He highlighted the profound influence his father had in entertainment, politics, and sports history, despite coming from humble beginnings in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Clarence Avant’s passing has left a void in the music industry and beyond. However, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape future generations. As his family reflected, the joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of his loss. Avant’s impact will live on, and his contributions to the industry and society at large will be remembered for years to come.
Clarence Avant’s influence on black music is immeasurable. His legacy will continue to inspire and shape the industry for generations to come.
Clarence Avant’s contributions to the world of black music are truly groundbreaking. His exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and unmatched foresight have paved the way for countless artists and industry professionals. His legacy is an enduring testament to the power of determination and perseverance.