Clarence Avant, ‘Black Godfather’ of entertainment, and benefactor of athletes and politicians, dies

Jacqueline Avant, left, and Clarence Avant appear at the 11th Annual AAFCA Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 22, 2020.

Sometimes called “The Godfather of Black Music,” he broke in as a manager in the 1950s, with such clients as singers Sarah Vaughan and Little Willie John and composer Lalo Schifrin, who wrote the theme to “Mission: Impossible.” In the 1970s he was an early patron of Black-owned radio stations and, in the 1990s, headed Motown after founder Berry Gordy Jr. sold the company.He also started such labels as Sussex and Tabu, with artists including Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the S.O.

“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,” said the statement, which was released by Avant’s son Alex, daughter Nicole and her husband, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

“Mr. Glaser would have me go with him to these dog shows,” Avant told Variety in 2016. “And you’ve got to imagine I was the only Black person at the goddamn dog show. He also had these 16 seats behind the visiting dugout at Yankee Stadium, and whenever he’d take me I would try to walk to the back row, and he’d grab me and say, ‘Goddamn it, sit your ass up here with me.’”

“He went and got the deal,” Jones, whose collaborations with Avant would include the TV series “Heart and Soul” and the feature film “Stalingrad,” told Billboard in 2006. “I respected him for that.”

Entertainment Entertainment Latest News, Entertainment Entertainment Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Clarence Avant, ‘Godfather of Black Music,’ Dies at 92He managed Sarah Vaughan, discovered Bill Withers and advised countless people in the industry and beyond: 'He’s been the silent architect of so many deals, it would make your head spin.'
Source: THR - 🏆 411. / 53 Read more »

Clarence Avant, the ‘Godfather of Black Entertainment,’ Dies at 92Clarence Avant, whose unofficial title of the “Black Godfather” spanned the worlds of music, sports, entertainment and politics, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his family.
Source: Variety - 🏆 108. / 63 Read more »

Clarence Avant Dies: “Godfather Of Black Music” Was 92Clarence Avant, who was dubbed the “Godfather of Black” music and entertainment, has died aged 92, his family has confirmed. A statement provided by his family including son-in-law Ted …
Source: DEADLINE - 🏆 109. / 63 Read more »

Clarence Avant, 'Black Godfather' Of Music, Dead At 92Clarence Avant, the music executive known to many as the 'Black Godfather,' has died.
Source: TMZ - 🏆 379. / 59 Read more »

Clarence Avant, music executive known as 'Godfather of Black Music,' dies at 92Clarence Avant, the music executive known as the 'Godfather of Black Music,' has died at the age of 92, according to his family.
Source: ABC7Chicago - 🏆 284. / 63 Read more »

Clarence Avant, Influential Music Exec Known as 'The Black Godfather,' Dead at 92Clarence Avant, the veteran music executive known as the “Black Godfather” who was hailed for his influence and guidance of some of music's biggest names, has died at age 92.
Source: RollingStone - 🏆 483. / 51 Read more »