Clarence Avant, a remarkable figure who propelled the careers of musicians, entertainers, sports stars, and politicians, passed away at the age of 92.
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On Sunday, the music and entertainment industries lost one of their greatest connectors. Clarence Avant, an executive and businessman, passed away at the age of 92. Known for his blend of street savvy and business acumen, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous musicians and entertainers. This report comes from Anastasia Tsioulcas of NPR.
ANASTASIA TSIOULCAS, BYLINE:
Clarence Avant operated behind the scenes, orchestrating countless deals for artists and sports stars. Born into poverty as the eldest of eight children in Climax, N.C., Avant did not receive a formal education beyond the ninth grade. However, this only fueled his determination. One of his earliest triumphs was signing an obscure singer/songwriter in his 30s, none other than Bill Withers.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “AIN’T NO SUNSHINE”)
BILL WITHERS: (Singing) Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone. It’s not warm when she’s away.
TSIOULCAS: Avant signed Withers to his own label, Sussex Records. The name may sound innocuous, but Avant possessed a clever sense of humor. Sussex was a clever blend of two desires that he believed everyone craved – success and sex.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “AIN’T NO SUNSHINE”)
WITHERS: (Singing) Wonder this time where she’s gone.
TSIOULCAS: Despite Sussex’s eventual downfall, Avant dusted himself off and continued his journey. He went on to promote Michael Jackson’s first solo tour and became the chairman of Motown Records. He played a pivotal role in nurturing influential musicians and producers across various eras, including Diddy, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. Avant connected Jimmy and Terry with Janet Jackson, leading to the creation of her groundbreaking album “Control” in 1986, which included hits like “Nasty.”
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “NASTY”)
JANET JACKSON: (Singing) That’s right, let me tell you. Nasty…
TSIOULCAS: Avant also made a significant mark in politics, offering advice to President George H.W. Bush and serving as a fundraiser for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. In 2019, Netflix produced a documentary about Avant, titled “The Black Godfather,” a nickname he had carried throughout his career. In the film, Bill Clinton described Avant’s counsel as invaluable.
(SOUNDBITE OF DOCUMENTARY, “THE BLACK GODFATHER”)
BILL CLINTON: His advice, word for word, was probably worth more than anyone I’ve ever dealt with.
TSIOULCAS: Avant also championed sports heroes like Hank Aaron and Jim Brown, recognizing the significance of influence not only in politics but also in popular culture. Rapper Ludacris explained in the Netflix documentary that Avant’s larger objective was to elevate Black talent.
(SOUNDBITE OF DOCUMENTARY, “THE BLACK GODFATHER”)
LUDACRIS: Clarence is the type of person who wants everyone to succeed because he understands the strength in unity. By standing together, our culture grows stronger.
TSIOULCAS: Avant once again made headlines in December 2021 following a tragic incident. His wife of over 50 years, Jacqueline, lost her life in a violent burglary at their Beverly Hills home. In April, the perpetrator was sentenced to 190 years in prison.
Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR News, New York.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
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