Clarence Avant, the legendary music govt nicknamed the “Godfather of Black Music,” died on Sunday at his dwelling in Los Angeles. He was 92.
The information was confirmed in an announcement launched by Avant’s household. “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,” they mentioned. “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
Avant, born in North Carolina in 1931, obtained his begin within the music enterprise within the ’50s, managing Little Willie John, Sarah Vaughan, Kim Weston, Tom Wilson and lots of others. From 1967-69, he labored for Venture Records, adopted by the launch of his Los Angeles-based label, Sussex Records, the place he signed acts like Bill Withers, guitarist Dennis Coffey and the rock band Gallery.
Avant additionally based Avant Garde Broadcasting in 1971 and purchased the primary African-American-owned FM radio station in metropolitan L.A. In the ’80s, he co-promoted Michael Jackson’s first solo world tour; he was Motown’s chairman of the board within the ’90s. In 2021, he was given the Ahmet Ertegun Award by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Throughout his profession, he suggested a number of artists, producers and business executives, together with Quincy Jones, David Geffen, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Jimmy Iovine and Snoop Dogg.
Listen to Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’
“He’s a teacher, he’s a master communicator, he’s the perfect marriage between street sense and common sense,” Lionel Richie mentioned at the 2021 Rock Hall ceremony the place he inducted Avant. In 2019, a movie about Avant referred to as The (*92*) Godfather was launched and included testimonials from artists in addition to high-profile figures like former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
“I want people to be inspired to help others and share the blessing,” Nicole Avant, Avant’s daughter and producer of the movie informed The Hollywood Reporter at the time. “Sometimes real power is behind the scenes, helping people achieve their dreams.”
Watch the Trailer for ‘The (*92*) Godfather’
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