Funeral arrangements are currently being made for Clarence Avant, a highly influential figure in the music industry, known as the “Godfather of Black Music.” Avant passed away at the age of 92 at his residence in the Los Angeles area.
The impact of Avant’s work extended beyond music, reaching into the worlds of sports, politics, and entertainment as he collaborated with U.S. presidents and Hall of Fame athletes.
In a heartfelt statement provided to Variety, Avant’s family announced, “It is with deep sadness that the Avant/Sarandos family announces the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant. Through his revolutionary leadership in business, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the realms of music, entertainment, politics, and sports. Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a vast network of friends and associates who have already made a significant impact on the world and will continue to do so for future generations. The joy of his legacy helps ease the pain of our loss. Clarence peacefully passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 13, 2023.”
“Leading artists and industry executives like Quincy Jones, JayZ, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean Combs, L.A. Reid, Suzanne de Passe, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg, Reginald Hudland, Benny Medina, and Queen Latifah all credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance,” stated the family.
This statement was issued on behalf of Avant’s children, Nicole and Alexander, as well as his son-in-law Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix.
During the 1960s, Avant began his career as a nightclub manager and served as the manager for Lalo Schifrin and Jimmy Smith. He also established two record labels and played an instrumental role in shaping the careers of artists like Bill Withers, Sixto Rodriguez, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
Avant became the chairman of the board of Motown Records during the 1990s and became the first Black board member of PolyGram.
In the 1970s, he launched the first fully Black-owned radio stations in Los Angeles and worked as a consultant for MGM and ABC. Avant also provided advisory services and held official roles for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama.
A joint statement from Bill and Hillary Clinton expressed, “Avant brought artists and their music to millions of people. Additionally, he used his success to open doors of opportunity for new generations of entrepreneurs and promoters. He was skillful, savvy, warm, and wise. Spending time with him inevitably left you feeling more positive and inspired to follow his example. We simply adored him.”
Barack and Michelle Obama referred to Avant as “one of our favorite people.”
In a joint statement, they stated, “He embodied a certain level of coolness and street smarts that allowed him to confidently navigate uncharted territories. He never doubted his ability to figure things out. Clarence was part of a generation that served as a bridge from a time when opportunities for Black people were scarce to a time when doors began to open. He demanded that the world make room, and he paved the way for the rest of us.”
Avant played a crucial role in encouraging Jim Brown to pursue an acting career after his successful stint in the NFL. He also acted as a mentor to music industry figures like L.A. Reid, Baby Face, Sylvia Rhone, Jheryl Busby, and Jimmy Iovine.
Born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Avant relocated to Los Angeles in the late 1960s. He established his own record company, Sussex Records, and acquired KAGB-FM, the only Black-owned radio station in Los Angeles at the time.
In 1967, Avant married his wife, Jacqueline, and they had two children, Nicole and Alex. Nicole Avant has served as a former U.S. ambassador, political advisor, and film producer. She is married to Sarandos, who is the CEO of Netflix. Alex Avant is an agent, producer, and actor based in Los Angeles.
Tragically, Jacqueline Avant was fatally shot during a burglary attempt at their Beverly Hills residence in December 2021. She was 81 years old.
Aariel Maynor pleaded guilty to the crime and was sentenced to a minimum of 150 years in prison in 2022.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement expressing, “Clarence Avant has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire music and culture for eternity.”
She continued, “Mr. Avant contributed immensely to Los Angeles by producing a sound that influenced countless generations, all while relentlessly fighting for civil rights and equal treatment under the law. I had the privilege of engaging in insightful and valuable conversations with Mr. Avant about the pressing issues our city and nation faced. I will forever be grateful for the time we shared. Mr. and Mrs. Avant transformed Los Angeles through their vision, spirit, and philanthropy. My thoughts are with the Avant family and all who grieve this tremendous loss.”
